Emmerson Boyce is a professional footballer. Currently a free agent, he last played for Blackpool. His usual position is right back, but he can also be deployed in the centre of defence or at right wing back.
Born in Aylesbury, England, on 24 September 1979, Boyce started his career at the age of sixteen as an apprentice at Luton Town. He rose through the ranks and eventually established himself in the first team, going on to make 185 league appearances for the club and scoring eight goals.
He joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer in 2004, where he played in the Premier League for the first time. He spent two years at the club, making 69 league appearances and scoring one goal. After Crystal Palace, Boyce returned to Premier League football in 2006, this time with Wigan Athletic after completing a move for a fee of £1 million, and was a key player during his first season when the club narrowly avoided relegation. He remained an active member of the first-team throughout his spell at Wigan, and is the club’s Premier League appearance record holder.
In May 2013, he realised his biggest achievement and proudest moment by claiming his place in football history as the first ever Barbadian and Wigan Athletic FC captain to walk up the famous Wembley steps and lift the famous FA Cup Trophy, after beating the highly acclaimed Manchester City FC 1-0.
He would play at the historic stadium a total of four times, captaining and playing in two FA Cup semi-finals, one Charity Shield game and the incredible FA Cup Final.
Another great privilege has been to Captain the Barbados National team. He has been representing Barbados since 2008 and is still fit for selection. Currently he is discussing with the Barbados Football Association how he can assist the development and improvement of grass roots football through the Emmerson Boyce Foundation.
Emmerson is also an ambassador for two major charities, Street Soccer USA and Joseph’s Goal. In 2013 he received the National Sports Council Award for Senior Outstanding Sportsperson.