Things have gone pretty well for Haydn Bechthold since joining the Ottawa Fury FC organization a year ago and he's being rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.

After coming to Fury from Ottawa South United, the 16-year-old developed quickly as dynamic and versatile player on his youth side, helping guide the U16 boys to the Super-Y League's North Atlantic division crown.

His dominant play on the pitch, in particular a match against New Jersey's TSF Academy, caught the eye of Spanish super power Real Madrid.

Bechthold leaves for Spain Saturday for a week of intense, top-level training at Real's practice facility as one of just 36 15 and 16-year-olds -- and the only Canadian -- to be invited to the Real Madrid Select Program.

The news Bechthold had earned a spot in the prestigious camp came a week ago and the Louis Riel Secondary School student hasn't been able to wipe the grin off his face since.

"It was just unreal, I haven't stopped smiling all week," Bechthold said Thursday night before training at Algonquin College.

Bechthold said he was spotted by TSF Academy's coaching director Luis Mendoza at the match in New Jersey and the man liked what he saw. Turns out Mendoza is also the technical director of the Select Program Haydn is participating in.

"I've never done anything as big as this," said of the program, which will see participants undergo eight days of intense training as the program aims to give them a glimpse into what it takes to be part one of the world's most successful soccer clubs.

In addition to training at Real Madrid's impressive facility, the invitees will get to watch both Spanish super cup matches between Real and Atletico Madrid.

Soccer stopped being just a hobby for Bechthold a while ago, but the way he lights up as he talks about the sport makes it obvious it never feels like a chore.

"It's just better than everything else," he said when asked what he loves most about the game. "I played hockey for a bit, I wasn't very good at it. With soccer you can play it anywhere, you just need a ball."

Bechthold is modest about his own skill but blunt and unwavering when it comes to his ultimate soccer goal.

"I just want to play pro," he said. "As long as I can make a living through soccer, that's what I want."

His coach, Christian Hoefler, said he wasn't surprised Bechthold got invited to the Real Madrid camp, describing the teen -- who is smaller than your typical 16-year-old and looks younger -- as someone constantly surprising those who initially don't see him as a threat because of his size. Small or not, Hoefler's summary of Bechthold's character makes him sound like someone twice his age.

"This kid has a heart like Messi," he said of arguably one of the greatest -- and smallest -- players in the game. "He's realistic, very humble and very ambitious at the same time. Those traits alone make him a quality player."

Hoefler said the eight days with Real Madrid will allow Bechthold's game to grow that much more.

"He'll come back and he'll be a leader," he said. "He deserves this, he does."

Bechthold, meanwhile, is going to leave everything out on the pitch next week.

"I'm going to go full out for eight days, I'll make sure I'm dead by (the end)," he said. "I'm the only Canadian, I have to represent."

TAKING ON THE BEST

Ottawa Fury FC head coach Marc Dos Santos is challenging his players to show what they're made during Sunday afternoon's North American Soccer League (NASL) match against San Antonio.

The Scorpions are tops on the league table -- and a whopping 14 points up on still-winless Ottawa -- but Dos Santos sees the match as an opportunity.

"If we really want to show what we're made of and really show the character and the reaction we could have (considering) the moment we're going through, well, this is an excellent team to play against," said the coach.

If last week's loss at home to Fort Lauderdale was dissappointing, dropping another at TD Place will be like getting kicked in the stomach when you're down. Already a fragile group, Fury needs an injection of confidence. The club took a step in the right direction last weekend by scoring first for the first time of the fall season, but that is where the positives end for the time being.

SIDELINES

Fury FC will likely be without Oliver this weekend as the Brazilian continues to rehab an injury suffered in training. Dos Santos described him Friday as a "big question mark" for Sunday ... While Maykon, who had one of his strongest games for Fury last weekend, appears doubtful with an injury of his own, Ramon Soria has recovered from a knee injury and will likely start ... Nicki Paterson was the latest to take part in the Ice Bucket Challenger for ALS awareness, getting a bucket dumped on him by Richie Ryan and Tommy Heinemann after training Friday at Algonquin college.

chris.hofley@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @chrishofley