The former Cowra Eagles striker has linked with University of NSW and has made in roads as one of the most prolific goal scorers in the State League’s under 20s competition.

During the 2017 season, Leyland’s 17 goals was enough to take out the competition’s golden boot award, leading University of NSW to the minor premiership in the process.

The decider against Nepean was forced into a penalties after a nil-all deadlock couldn’t be broken, Leyland’s University of NSW side slipping to a 4-2 defeat in the shoot-out.

The previous season, 2016, his debut year in the State League under 20s competition, Leyland kicked 21 goals in the process of guiding University of NSW to a premiership.

His tally of goals saw him pick up the top goalscorers gong at the end of his first season away from the Cowra Eagles.

These achievement led to him receiving a sports scholarship at the University of NSW.

At the club’s recent presentation awards, recognising its best of 2017, Leyland was awarded the club’s best and fairest.

He also took out NSW State League’s Under 20s golden boot and prestigious player of the competition awards.

The awards cap off a hugely impressive two seasons for Leyland, since making the move from Cowra to Sydney in 2016.

During his time at the Cowra Eagles, Leyland was a part of the Cowra Eagles premiership winning side in 2014, and claimed golden boot awards and best and fairest trophies.

2016

Matches played: 23

Goals: 21

Awards: Premiership medal, golden boot 

2017

Matches played: 19

Goals: 18

Awards: Golden boot, NSW State League under 20s player of the competition