MATTY YOUNG is preparing to jet off to beautiful Brazil in the hope that a spell of samba soccer will enhance his Premiership prospects.
The 17-year-old, rejected by both Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers, has caught the eye of bosses at Second Division side Piracicaba.
He is earmarked for a central midfield role as the Sao Paulo-based side look to push for promotion.
Young was spotted during a five week training course in Brazil and Piracicaba officials were so impressed that he was offered a six month contract after just a fortnight abroad.
The teenager has been keeping himself in shape with the Cirencester Academy side, ironic in that it was one of the club's directors who helped set up the trip, and he is now raring to go.
He said: "This is a wonderful opportunity. I intend to enjoy my six months in Brazil and I've no doubt I will be a better player because of it."
Although Young would love the chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Rivaldo and Ronaldo, his burning ambition is to play in the top flight of English football.
He said: "If they asked me to stay on after six months then I would have to think about it. But really I want to make it in England."
The two knock-backs he received at the County Ground and the Memorial Ground have only made him more determined to succeed.
He said: "It's not like I'm angry, more a desire to show them that I was strong enough to make the grade."
Young accepts that the Brazilian climate and way of life will take some getting used to.
He said: "It took me a while to adjust to the heat when I was out there in May.
"I am staying in a house with 12 Brazilian lads so it might be a while before we are having long conversations."
It means a long stint away from mum and dad but Young knows such opportunities do not come along every day.
He said: "They're really happy for me as they know just what it means for me."
Young has no hard feelings towards either Town or Rovers but he hopes the only way he will cross paths with them again is during the course of a Premiership or First Division season.
Cirencester officials will be eagerly following Young's progress in Brazil.
Brian Hughes, first team manager of Cirencester Town, said: "Everyone at the club is proud of him.
"He has been training with us this week, and he'll be welcome back anytime.
"It's a great experience for Matt and it has also helped boost the profile of our club with all the coverage he has received."
Swindon Town's eighth annual golf day takes place on Monday at Wrag Barn Golf Club in Highworth.
Andy King, Neil Ruddock and Steve Robinson are among those on show in the Non-Stop Promotions sponsored event.
Twenty four teams are taking part, with a Texas Scramble competition organised for the morning and a Stableford team challenge in the afternoon.
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