Born in Chatham, Kent, Boyd started his career as a part of Charlton Athletic's youth system at the age of 10. He was released by Charlton aged 15, and briefly competed for Chatham Town's U18 team in the Kent Youth League. Following his release from Charlton, Boyd was offered youth deals by Bristol City, Farnborough Town and Stevenage Borough respectively, opting to join Football Conference side Stevenage on a two-year scholarship in 2001. Boyd made his Stevenage debut at just 17 years of age during the 2002–03 season, featuring in a 3–1 defeat against Margate at Broadhall Way, although he was substituted at half-time. Despite appearing on the bench frequently, Boyd did not play again in the first-team the same season. The following season, Boyd played eleven times during the second half of the season under new manager Graham Westley, after impressing him during Boyd's involvement in the FA Youth Cup. Boyd made a big impact despite appearing as a substitute in the majority of the matches, assisting all three of Stevenage's goals in a 3–1 victory over Tamworth, and scoring his first Stevenage goal in a 2–1 win against Northwich Victoria in April 2004.