On Tuesday night, 10 August, Elliott Nevitt scored his first goal for League Two club Tranmere Rovers against Oldham Athletic in the Carabao Cup. Nevitt’s story is one of not giving up to reach your dreams. Yet, at the same time, it is a story of being yourself and playing football.

Just six weeks before scoring in the cup match, Nevitt was playing amateur football on Sunday mornings with friends. The Liverpudlian played for a local side in a very competitive league on Merseyside while also turning out on Saturdays for Warrington Rylands, a team in the Northern Premier League.

While turning out for those teams and receiving no pay, Nevitt worked during the week as a carpet cleaner. It was a job that funded his football habit.

Then, something amazing happened for the prolific attacking player. Warrington Rylands qualified for the FA Vase Final in 2020-21. The trophy is contested by teams at the ninth and 10th levels of football in England’s pyramid system. Elliott Nevitt didn’t just score once in the final, but three times. His goalscoring exploits in the FA Vase Final led to clubs around England becoming aware of his abilities.

What was remarkable about Nevitt was at the time of scoring the goals, he was already 24 and had spent plenty of time playing Non-League and local football. He had never played in a professional club’s academy despite going on trial at the likes of Everton as a teen.

Nevitt is the perfect example of so many players out there. He was overlooked by decision-makers for whatever reason and spent his time playing football for fun, not money. It is easy to forget that many players are cast off from academies and clubs due to one person’s decision-making abilities. Those same players may make it at other clubs, however, they must keep working hard just as Elliott Nevitt did.

Nevitt ended up finding a home at Tranmere Rovers for this season after clubs showed interest but asked him to go on trial before a contract would be offered. Tranmere gave him a contract straight off and allowed him to remain on Merseyside. Nevitt’s story is a unique one as his talent was spotted in the FA Vase Final. The forward is once again proof that hard work pays off.