Starting out in the FC Malaga City Academy, things are moving quickly for 18-year-old Michael Boffey, who after establishing himself as a key part of the CD Almunecar 23s, has been called up to train with the CDAC senior first team.
The Australian has settled quickly to life here in Spain both on and off the pitch and believes his success is a result of competing in a highly competitive environment. We caught up with talented youngster earlier on in the week, and he was full of praise for both sets of team mates.
He said:“The season so far is going off to a flyer. Every day at training everyone is trying to prove themselves so they can be selected in the squads, which makes the whole environment so competitive and professional.
“If both teams keep training the way they are day in day out then the results will start to show.”
It was his part in the Under 23s impressive start to the season that caught the eye of CD Almunecar City First Team Coach George Jermy, who sees Boffey as an example of the club’s philosophy in action and backs him to fight for a senior appearance soon.
“Michael has had a great start to the season and we could not be happier with his progress,” he said. “it’s another key example of the ‘system’ working here with our player development.
“Having commenced in our junior Academy to progressing into and becoming a key component of our Under 23s squad, to now training full time with the senior team fighting to get on the pitch and get minutes soon!”
For now, Boffey is enjoying the experience and wants to help both teams achieve promotion, but is set on a spot in the first team long term.
He said: “Training with the first team has been a privilege and the whole environment of the team is hard work, which is what the coaches want to instil in us.
“My goals for the season are for both the Under 23s and Senior to win their leagues, so the long-term project of this club is closer to coming true. The whole club would value this because it is one step closer to professional football in Spain."
“My final goal is to be a key member of the Almunecar City Senior Squad.”