U.S. Youth National Team member Stephen Payne has joined Portuguese club Estoril Praia. The 19-year-old signed with Estoril last month on a one-year deal. 

“I came to Portugal before preseason at UCLA (in 2015),” Payne told TopDrawerSoccer when asked about how he ended up with Estoril. “There I trialed with a few clubs and the agent who had gotten me the trials saw how I did and wanted to bring me to bigger clubs in Portugal. I had gotten the experience I wanted but thought it would be better to develop for at least one year at UCLA before making the Pro jump.”

Payne spent a season with the Bruins where he appeared in 13 games and contributed a goal and an assist. 

“After that season and doing trials in some other countries with other contacts, the same agent before wanted to bring me in for trial at Estoril Praia which is when I decided I should sign with them,” Payne said. 

Payne’s game is built on his technical skill on the ball as he has exceptionally quick feet and can play in tight spaces. He likes to run at defenders with the ball at his feet. He has played a variety of positions for various youth national team coaches. 

In Portugal, Payne says that coaches have looked at him to play a variety of spots in the wide channels. 

“They like playing me as left wing and right wing,” Payne said. “They also are interested in me as right wing back, which they see me at the next level playing also. It's a different transition but I like it and I'm up for that challenge.”

For now, Payne is playing with the club’s U23 team. He is one of the youngest players on the team, as the club looks to push the teenager forward. 

“It's good being one of the younger players getting to play with these older and higher level players,” Payne said. “It helps me develop as a soccer player and gain more experience.”

For this season, Payne is focused on helping the team in the attack for his individual goals. 

“My goal is to hopefully score, assist, and help the team in any way I can,” Payne said. “I'm glad Estoril gave me this opportunity and my goal is just to start my career on the right path with hard work and continuing to develop as a player. Maybe I can do well enough to join the first team and help Estoril at that level as well.”

As for why Payne left the Bruins after a season, he spoke about the need to get into a professional environment as soon as possible. 

“I loved UCLA and the coaches and players are top class,” Payne said. “I’m grateful to everything they have done for me. I decided to leave after one year because I know my goal is to play in Europe and the clubs here are keen on having players as young as possible. My father encouraged me to take the opportunities given to me and see where it takes me. And that how I ended up in Portugal.”