Glentoran goalkeeper Milo Beimers embarks on 2000-mile van journey to find new club
Glentoran goalkeeper Milo Beimers has left the Irish Premiership to undertake a 2000-mile van journey across Spain and Portugal in search of a new club, with trials arranged across multiple tiers. The 18-year-old, who represented Canada at the Under-17 World Cup in 2025, began his journey from Belfast with his father Kevin, a video game designer, after completing his A-levels.
What the fee means for the summer budget
Beimers has secured trials with clubs across Spain and Portugal, including third division side Hercules, while his agent has arranged sessions with teams in the top five tiers. He will also travel to England for a trial with a London-based club, with his Dutch passport facilitating registration with European clubs. The journey, which includes a quick flight back to England for a trial, represents a unique approach to finding a new club without incurring travel costs for potential suitors.
Where he fits in the current squad
Beimers, who has been with Glentoran since age 13, aims to play at the highest level possible, with a stated goal of facing Barcelona or Real Madrid. His approach, which involves traveling in a van converted by his sister Charlie, has already opened doors that might not have been accessible had he remained in Belfast. The van, which required three attempts to pass its MOT, now serves as his home on wheels.
How the journey supports his appeal
The van allows clubs to avoid paying for travel and accommodation, making Beimers an attractive prospect. He and his father can find overnight stops nearby, and he trains at beaches or takes bikes off the beaten track when not at trials. His Dutch passport and Canadian representation also aid his registration with European clubs.
What this means next
Beimers plans to continue his journey until he finds a club, with his ultimate goal being to play against Europe's biggest sides. He will return to England for a trial with a London club before potentially signing with a team in Spain or Portugal, with his contract situation remaining open as he pursues his dream of playing against Barcelona or Real Madrid.
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The journey's practicalities
The van, owned by Beimers' sister Charlie who is traveling in Canada, required three attempts to pass its MOT before becoming road-legal. The conversion included a bed, storage, and cooking area, which has held up during the journey. Beimers' Dutch passport, granted through his grandfather, enables registration with European clubs, while his Canadian representation from the 2025 Under-17 World Cup adds to his international profile.
The personal motivation
Beimers stated, "I just thought it's a perfect opportunity. Nothing's weighing me down," and emphasized his desire to "make my own opportunities" by traveling freely. He noted that the trip has already helped him access clubs that might not have engaged with him had he stayed in Belfast, with the van's cost-free nature being a key advantage for potential suitors.
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The future path
Beimers will return to England for a trial with a London club before continuing his search in Spain and Portugal. He remains open to any outcome, stating, "If it doesn't work out, I'll always have a home in Northern Ireland," but is committed to pursuing his dream of playing against Europe's top clubs until he retires, potentially at age 40 or 50.
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