Stephen Hoyle’s move to Canada won’t be his first trip abroad.

Like fellow English striker Jordan Brown at Cavalry FC, Hoyle moved far, far away from the British Isles at a young age to get playing time.

The 26-year-old Valour FC man, who currently plays for Canterbury United in the New Zealand Football Championship, talked about his “globetrotting” ways in the Yorkshire Post this week.

“We (England) produce the best players and then we import good players, but then we don’t export any,” Hoyle said. “So all we do is stockpile talent – it’s ridiculous.

“If we start exporting players then English players can achieve so much. Think of the minutes that they would get. These are quality, young players and they need to be playing.”

Hoyle first moved abroad at age 20 in an attempt to get first-team minutes. He said he’s been drawn to Canada ever since going on trial with Toronto FC over five years ago.

“Ever since then, I really wanted to go back to Canada,” Hoyle explained.

Hoyle has yet to arrive in Winnipeg for training camp as he completes the New Zealand Football Championship season with Canterbury. In 16 games for the Dragons, Hoyle has scored 10 goals, helping his club hold the final playoff spot with two games remaining. The league final is scheduled for March 31.

“Apparently, they are expected to get around 10,000 for each game – and that’s similar to Barnsley attendances really,” Hoyle said about his first season at Investors Group Field.

“If I can’t play at Oakwell (Barnsley’s home stadium), then why not do it there? That’s the biggest draw for me – the crowds.”