By SHANNON POWER
HAYDEN Crossley is living every soccer player’s dream – to be recruited by a top European team.
The young Burnside resident has been offered a trial at the Romanian club CFR Cluj.
The club is the reigning Romanian champion and even beat English power side Manchester United 1-0 in the most recent season of the Champions League.
Crossley, 21, said going overseas to play soccer was every child’s dream and a chance to be like his sporting idols.
His three-month trial will begin September, and even though it will be hard for his parents to see him leave, Crossley had no doubt that he was making the right decision.
“You can’t say no to the opportunity,” he said.
“You’ll regret it forever if you say no to it.”
In addition to studying for an education degree at Victoria University’s St Albans campus, Crossley fits in four nights of soccer training every week,
“I started playing to keep fit and play with friends,” he said.
“Then I decided to get competitive and in 2010 I won the best-and-fairest at Werribee.”
Mr Crossley said after the three-month trial he hopes to be offered a first-team contract or to be recruited into a lower division in Europe.
“If not, I’ll come home with a great experience under my belt,” he said.
“I suppose not matter what country you’re in, you can communicate with the way you use your ball.”
