Chasing a Dream

Each year hundreds of Aussie hopefuls leave the safe shores of our isolated island nation to follow their footballing dreams, in what to many of them is unknown territory.

TBG recently had the privilege of contacting Stephen Frantzeskakis, one of these promising hopefuls.

Stephen was identified early on as a talented player in Australia and has been training full-time to chase his dream of playing professional football

Currently based in Barcelona, Spain, Stephen is training with UE Cornellá an FC Barcelona feeder club and the third most successful club in the region behind RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona themselves.

For many of these lower profile clubs the focus is not on senior performance, but youth development, and UE Cornellá are no different.

The club's successful youth framework has produced many EPL and La Liga players most notably Barcelona defender Jordi Alba.

Stephen is currently on a one month trial with Cornellá following a successful stint in Spain earlier in the year when he competed in the Mediterranean International Cup and trained with Spanish football giants RCD Espanyol.

TBG: Thanks for getting back to us Stephen, we really appreciate getting this chance to talk to you.
SF: "No problem, my pleasure."

In just one year you've travelled to Spain twice for football and trained with some of the most prestigious clubs in the country. How has it all been?
"Amazing, it's been a great experience."

How have you found adapting to life in Spain so far?
"It's always difficult for any young footballer to leave their family to travel to another country, especially when you don't speak the language, but it's the sacrifice you have to make if you want to chase your dream."

What have you found to be the key differences between Australian football and Spanish football?
"Spanish football has a faster tempo and the players are a lot more technical. Also, it isn't as physical as Australian football."

What do you want to achieve in your football career?
"It's my dream to become a professional football player and to compete at the highest level possible. My dream is to play in La Liga and to represent my country on the world stage."

Who is your favourite player and why?
"My favourite player is Xavi because the way he reads a football match is just incredible. He can take his opposition out of the game with his control and simplicity and he is the brain behind FC Barcelona. He is a football genius and in my opinion is the best central midfielder in the world."

Thanks for your time Stephen, we wish you all the best!
"Thanks guys."

TBG.