Josep Branco / Realising a Dream - February 2015
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My name is Josep Branco. I am 16 and Swedish, born and raised in the coastal town of Helsingborg. It's a really cool town, I have a lot of friends here and I have generally enjoyed my life here. Although, I always have felt that when I am old enough I will move away, in search of achieving my dreams.
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The beautiful city of Helsingborg.
I have loved football ever since I can remember. My dad introduced me to the sport, and I was hooked. Although I paid attention to Swedish football, I always followed other European football more intensely. My favourite clubs are Liverpool and Barcelona, and my favourite players are Steven Gerrard and Lionel Messi. When I watched Steven Gerrard drag his Liverpool side back in Instanbul, 2005, all I wanted to do was be like him. I think Lionel Messi is the greatest player on the planet, the things he can do are unbelievable.
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My idols.
When I joined my local side in Helsingborg, I was always better than the kids I played with. I have been playing with the age group that is 2 years above me since I was 11. We had reached the final of the local U16 Cup, which was played at Helsingborg's stadium. I scored 2 times, and we won the match 3-2! I was approached after receiving my medal by a tall, shaggy looking man. He explained that he was a scout for Halmstad, and that he wanted me to come and play with them..
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Helsingborg's stadium, maybe I will be playing in front of this many people one day!
Halmstad is just up the coast from Helsingborg, so the next weekend me and my dad went up there. When I arrived, I spoke with the same scout, and the Head of Youth Development, Sebastian Demir. I was expecting to have to show them that I could play, but I signed a contract that morning, I was officially part of the youth setup at Halmstad!
So that is where I am know. I have just signed for Halmstad, I even earn 116 Swedish Corona a week (The equivalent of £9). My dad drives me there a few times every week for training, I haven't played a match for the youth side yet, but the U19 season starts soon, hopefully I can impress!
View attachment 271257
My name is Josep Branco. I am 16 and Swedish, born and raised in the coastal town of Helsingborg. It's a really cool town, I have a lot of friends here and I have generally enjoyed my life here. Although, I always have felt that when I am old enough I will move away, in search of achieving my dreams.
View attachment 271235
The beautiful city of Helsingborg.
I have loved football ever since I can remember. My dad introduced me to the sport, and I was hooked. Although I paid attention to Swedish football, I always followed other European football more intensely. My favourite clubs are Liverpool and Barcelona, and my favourite players are Steven Gerrard and Lionel Messi. When I watched Steven Gerrard drag his Liverpool side back in Instanbul, 2005, all I wanted to do was be like him. I think Lionel Messi is the greatest player on the planet, the things he can do are unbelievable.
View attachment 271233 View attachment 271232
My idols.
When I joined my local side in Helsingborg, I was always better than the kids I played with. I have been playing with the age group that is 2 years above me since I was 11. We had reached the final of the local U16 Cup, which was played at Helsingborg's stadium. I scored 2 times, and we won the match 3-2! I was approached after receiving my medal by a tall, shaggy looking man. He explained that he was a scout for Halmstad, and that he wanted me to come and play with them..
View attachment 271227
Helsingborg's stadium, maybe I will be playing in front of this many people one day!
Halmstad is just up the coast from Helsingborg, so the next weekend me and my dad went up there. When I arrived, I spoke with the same scout, and the Head of Youth Development, Sebastian Demir. I was expecting to have to show them that I could play, but I signed a contract that morning, I was officially part of the youth setup at Halmstad!
So that is where I am know. I have just signed for Halmstad, I even earn 116 Swedish Corona a week (The equivalent of £9). My dad drives me there a few times every week for training, I haven't played a match for the youth side yet, but the U19 season starts soon, hopefully I can impress!