TWO Keighley area footballers have missed out on the chance to play with David Beckham at Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy.

John Butcher of Keighley and Thomas Dibb of Denholme were among four footballers from Yorkshire who were invited back for trials with the USA club. The trials started on Saturday and finished on Tuesday.

Butcher, who plays for Steeton AFC, and Dibb, who plays for Silsden AFC, were attempting to earn a contract with LA Galaxy, along with Guiseley AFC player Jamie Duffy and Yorkshire Amateur AFC player Simon Kirsima.

According to John's mum, Lynne Butcher, John and Thomas made it past the first round of seven-a-side trials on Saturday. However they were not selected after taking part in the second round.

Kirsima, however, did quite well making it to the final round of 11-a-side trials on Tuesday.

Lynne said that Galaxy were likely looking for a "big name" to play alongside Beckham in the first team. She also said the USA club was limited by a quota of four foreign players in the side.

While Lynne said that the Yorkshire boys were hoping to possibly make it into one of the club's junior or reserve sides, the LA Galaxy still said that the quartet were good enough to play for an American university team, and that they would help them apply for a scholarship.

Lynne said that this would be an option that 19-year-old John would consider.

She said the chance to trial for LA Galaxy was a great experience for the youngsters.

"They're not coming back downhearted. They had an adventure. Not many boys their age have done what they've done."

Butcher and Dibb did well to make it as far as they did.

They were originally part of a full squad of local footballers who travelled to Los Angeles last July for an initial trial with the American club.

John, Thomas, Simon and Jamie all impressed enough to receive a second invitation last month.

Lynne added: "Regardless of what happened, they've lived the dream for at least a couple of weeks."