Callum follows professional dream

Soccer tyro Callum Richardson is aiming to score an elusive goal — a professional contract.

Richardson, 17, grew up in Bunbury but relocated to England last year after being offered a place in Championship outfit Burnley’s youth team.

The defender is back in Australia catching up with family and friends in the off-season.

But he will be out to impress when he returns to England later this month for an important 12 months on the pitch.

“This time next year, I’ll know whether I’ve got another contract,” Richardson said.

“It’s a big year. You have to work to get another contract.

“You just have to keep going and going.”

Richardson will likely start preseason training with Burnley’s first team as the Clarets strive to return to the top flight.

He is looking forward to the challenge but warned life as a soccer player was not as glamorous as first impressions give.

“It’s not as easy as people think. You have to make a lot of sacrifices,” Richardson said.

“You have to work hard and listen what people say. Some people think it’s easy — it’s not.

“I’ve got lucky and made a lot of sacrifices.

“We travelled to Perth four times a week for three years. I couldn’t do what all my other mates were doing. You just need to be the best you can.”

For Richardson, playing high level soccer has not just been a physical test, but a significant mental challenge as well.

He said he could not have done it with out the support of his parents.

“I think I’m coping really well,” Richardson said.

“Mentally you have to be at your best every day. You can never really lose concentration.

“It’s a lot harder than people would think.”

“I think you grow as a person.

“I don’t have anybody that I’ve grown up with over there so it’s tough.”