Goalkeeper

Dale Eve

This is the story of Dale Eve, the young goalkeeper Premier Football UK helped earn a scholarship and a professional contract at Stoke City FC, and of the international career that followed with Bermuda, including his 50th cap.

When Dale arrived in the UK, he had very little experience between the posts. What he did have was the raw material every coach looks for in a young goalkeeper: good size, real athleticism, safe hands and a clear commitment to improve.

Premier Football UK spotted that potential early and set out to put him in front of the right clubs.

Raw Potential, Little Experience

Dale came to the UK without the years of specialist coaching that many young keepers already have behind them. On paper, that could have held him back. On the pitch, his natural attributes stood out straight away.

He had the frame clubs want in a modern goalkeeper, he was strong and athletic, and he was technically sound with his hands.

Just as importantly, Dale was committed to improving and willing to put the work in to close the gap on players who had been in academy systems for years. That combination of physical potential and attitude is exactly what scouts look for in a young goalkeeper.

How Premier Football UK Arranged His Goalkeeper Trials

Premier Football UK identified Dale and arranged a series of goalkeeper trials in the UK so he could test himself against professional standards. A number of clubs took a close look at him because of his size, athletic potential, handling and commitment to improve.

Dale had trials at Derby County FC, Stoke City FC, Celtic FC and Nottingham Forest FC. Derby County FC were impressed enough to offer him a deal, which was a huge boost for a young keeper who had arrived with so little experience.

Impressing Manchester United FC and Earning a Stoke City FC Offer

Manchester United FC also watched Dale during a game against Walsall FC, and he did really well on the day. Moments like that are what trials are all about: staying calm and performing when the right people are watching.

In the end, Stoke City FC offered Dale a two-year scholarship plus a one-year professional contract.

Because Dale and his sister had been living abroad, Stoke City FC also provided accommodation for both of them. That support allowed him to settle and focus fully on his football, and he did fantastically well during his time at the club.

Representing Bermuda: From Debut to 50 Caps

Dale went on to play international football for Bermuda. He made his senior debut on 11 November 2011 against Barbados in qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

He started for Bermuda at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, making eight saves against Haiti and seven against Costa Rica.

On 10 October 2025 he reached 50 caps for his country against Trinidad and Tobago, and he has also had the honour of captaining Bermuda. You can see some of his goalkeeping in the Player Highlights video on this page.

Lessons for Young Goalkeepers

Experience is not everything. Clubs look at size, athleticism, handling and attitude, not just how many years of coaching you have had.

Be ready when it matters. Dale’s display against Walsall FC with Manchester United FC watching showed he could perform under pressure.

Commit to improving. His willingness to learn was one of the main reasons clubs took notice.

Settle off the pitch too. Moving country at a young age is hard. Having stable support around you makes it easier to perform.

Could You Be Next?

From arriving in the UK with little experience to a scholarship at Stoke City FC and 50 caps for Bermuda, Dale has been a real credit to himself and his family. If you are a goalkeeper or outfield player looking for UK football trials with Premier Football UK, we can help you take the next step. Register now for a football trial.