Tyier Welch can hardly wait to begin the next chapter of his burgeoning football career showcasing his skills in the Middle East.

The Bermuda Under-20 and PHC Zebras defender has joined Dubai City Football Club after agreeing to the terms of a deal with the United Arab Emirates First Division side.

“I was excited to receive the contract and shocked because of their location,” Welch, who is scheduled to depart for Dubai next week, told The Royal Gazette. “They told me how they are going to make me a better player, which really pushed me forward with the deal.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity and I can’t wait to arrive at the training grounds. My expectations are to play and help my team win games and more with my abilities.”

Dubai City FC have only been in existence since 2018 and are the first expatriate team to compete in the UAE Football Association leagues.

“It is a very well structured club; the facilities are amazing and they are growing and getting stronger every year,” Welch added.

“It’s a strong depth of quality from the age four and up. They have recruited experienced coaches that have coached around the world.”

The 18- year-old was scouted while on a trial in the United Kingdom last month organised by Clyde Best, the former West Ham striker, and Josef Gooden, the former Somerset Trojans defender.

“It’s a great experience for him,” Best said. “It’s a different part of the world and I just hope he takes advantage of it and learns from that experience and comes back being a better person than when he left.

“It’s great and I have always said that England is not the only place that plays football. Football is a world game and everybody plays, so it’s great that he is going that way.”

As for helping to create the wonderful opportunity for the teenager, Best added: “I try to do whatever I can to help the youngsters, especially when it comes to the educational side.

“I tell all of them if you’re going don’t forget your education because if football fails you have to have something to fall back on. So I hope he remembers that and uses that and takes advantage of it.”

Welch began his career playing for Paget Titans’ Under-12 team. He then joined nearby PHC where he continued his journey through the youth ranks before making his senior debut for the club during the 2019-20 campaign.

He earned call up to the Bermuda Under-20s in May, three months before securing his first professional contract.

“I have always wanted to be a professional footballer but had doubts at first that I was good enough or to even get a chance at being professional,” Welch added.

“I had doubts until the end of 2020 when I started to train with Josef Gooden and G Ball Academy; showing that I am good enough and there is a chance for me and other Bermudians by planning a football showcase trip and signing up for the UK football trials this summer.”

As for his ultimate goals in the sport, Welch said: “My ultimate goal is to eventually break into the first team then eventually in due time show that I could be a consistent starter.”