LONDON — A Canadian chosen to join a Premier League club and compete with the best soccer players in the world is rare. Two at the same time is almost unheard of.

But, former Toronto FC academy members Mike Petrasso and Dylan Carreiro are currently breaking the mold and excelling in their first year campaigns within the Queens Park Rangers academy suiting up for both the under-18 and u-21 teams.

The Harlington Sports Ground in London, once the training home of Premier League powerhouse Chelsea, became the training centre of QPR in 2005. Canadians visit this holy ground as tourists.

But, on a recent freezing, snowy London morning, two teenage Canadians seemed at ease in their new surroundings because for them it’s not a visit. It’s where they work.

Petrasso, 17, grew up playing youth soccer in Toronto for Kleinburg SC at the age of three. After being coached by his dad at both Markham club and Woodbridge, he began to shine with the provincial squad where he would cross paths with another speedy midfielder who is now his roommate.

Carreiro, 18, began the game in his hometown of Winnipeg playing with FC Northwest. But after showing off his skill with the provincial club and at the Regional Training Centre in Manitoba, he and his family made the decision to accept TFC’s offer and move to Toronto.

Both teens joined TFC Academy at age 15 and the hope was that a few years of maturing and molding would see them suit up alongside each other for the Reds. Instead, the two jumped at an offer to sign with QPR for three seasons.

The departure of the two young midfielders took TFC by surprise according to TFC spokesman Mike Masaro.

“The players wanted to explore other avenues — ones that the club didn’t think were in their best interest development-wise but in the end, the club wants players who want to be here. They didn’t so they are no longer members of Toronto FC.”

Carreiro came under further scrutiny for prematurely announcing his decision to join QPR on Twitter.

“It was obviously a stupid mistake by me letting people know that quick but you make mistakes and learn from them,” said the well-spoken Winnipeg native after lunch at QPR training ground.

The flack the boys took for leaving TFC is confusing in a lot of ways. Every year more European junior hockey players are leaving their local clubs to come over to the CHL in order to compete against the very best in the world at their age in hopes of playing at the highest level in the NHL. Soccer is no different. The ultimate dream is not to play in the MLS.

“TFC is a great club and I enjoyed my time there, but I wanted to pursue my dream and go further,” added Carreiro through the noise of his teammates playing ping pong in the background.

Petrasso expressed more hesitation when leaving TFC and his family in Toronto but in the end it’s an opportunity that cannot be turned down.

“There was some hesitation at the beginning and I thought maybe I’ll get another opportunity, I can wait. But then my mom kept telling me this chance may never come again. Take it. You always have to take a chance on your dreams. I had to take it,” said the soft spoken Petrasso.

Not only did both teens take it, they are running with it.

Petrasso started slow because he found it difficult to adjust being away from friends and family and it affected his play. But after getting to know his teammates better and acclimatizing himself to his new surroundings he is flourishing.

Both youngsters have surpassed expectations, jumping from the u-18 squad to play matches with the u-21 team, coached by former Canadian international Marc Bircham (17 caps).

“They’re two very good players who have really helped our academy team this year,” said u-18 head coach Steve Gallen.

And coming from Canada apparently has a lot to do with it.

“They´re a breath of fresh air because they just love to play football. Over here the (U.K.) boys have been sort of institutionalized and it can get a bit stale.”

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Both Petrasso and Carreiro admit it has been an adjustment to what they were used to in Canada.

“It´s a lot more intense over here. They ask more from you. Technically it’s not that different from Canada, but here it’s more about the mental game,” says Carreiro.

“I wouldn’t say the training is better, but the mentality is different,” adds Petrasso. “If you make a mistake over here players get on you; they keep pushing you and pushing you.”