Opening My Account: My First Goal for Estoril Elite Academy

For months, I pushed myself through the grind, waiting for the moment that finally arrived this past weekend — my first goal for Estoril Praia’s Elite Academy. In football terms, they call it ‘opening your account,’ but for me, it felt like much more than just putting the ball in the back of the net. It was proof — proof that I belonged, proof that my sacrifices were paying off, and proof that this journey I started months ago was all worth it.

The Journey to This Moment

When I left Vancouver to join the Estoril Elite Academy, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Moving across the world, leaving behind my friends, my girlfriend, and the comfort of home was a massive step. But I believed in myself, and I knew this opportunity was one I couldn’t pass up.

Still, belief doesn’t make things easier. The transition was tough. New teammates, new coaches, and a new style of football — everything felt different. The tempo was faster, the physicality more intense, and the pressure to perform was constant. There were moments of frustration — training sessions where passes didn’t connect, games where minutes on the pitch felt scarce, and times when the homesickness hit hard.

Through it all, I kept my head down and worked. Early morning training sessions, late-night gym work, and endless hours of studying tactics — I knew that earning my place in the squad would take time. My family played a massive role in keeping me grounded. Whether it was calls from my dad, long chats with my girlfriend Claire, or my mom's encouraging messages, those connections kept my mindset strong.

Earning My Place

My patience was tested as I adjusted to life at Estoril. I knew my opportunity would come — I just had to be ready. Gradually, I earned more game time. I started to grow in confidence, showcasing my ability to win duels, link up play, and create chances. But one thing still eluded me — my first goal.

It became something of a mental hurdle. Each chance that went wide or each shot that was saved added to the weight I carried. I knew the goal would come, but the longer it took, the louder the doubts tried to creep in.

The Moment I’d Been Waiting For

And then, it happened. With our team under pressure and breaking out from our own 18-yard box, I sprinted up the field as we transitioned quickly. I played the ball wide to one of my teammates, then timed my run perfectly into the box. The ball was squared back across goal, and with one touch to control it and another to strike it, the net rippled. My teammates swarmed me — shouts of celebration mixed with relief. I had done it. I’d opened my account.

What It Means

For me, that goal was more than just a statistic — it was a symbol of everything I’d fought through since arriving in Portugal. The long days of training, the moments of doubt, the struggle to adjust — it all felt validated in that one moment.

"I never doubted myself," I thought afterward. "But scoring that goal... it felt like a weight had been lifted. It’s like I finally showed everyone — my teammates, my coaches, and myself — that I belong here."

My family couldn’t have been prouder. "We knew this was coming," my dad told me. "You’ve worked too hard not to succeed. Seeing that moment happen was incredible — and I know it’s just the beginning."

The Road Ahead

That first goal isn’t the end of my journey — it’s just another step forward. I’m more determined than ever to keep improving, keep scoring, and keep proving myself on the pitch.

For any young footballer facing similar challenges — battling through doubts, adjusting to new environments, or waiting for that breakthrough moment — my story is a reminder that persistence pays off.

This journey is far from over, but one thing’s for sure: I belong. And now, I have the goal to prove it.