Living the soccer dream

Katanning’s Zelfy Nazary is living the dream of any budding soccer star.

Since October last year, Nazary has been in the UK taking part in a training academy program.

The 19-year-old was invited by the Football CV Academy to take part in the course.

The Football CV Academy is a course dedicated to producing professional players while also providing educational courses.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for me and I took it,” he said.

Nazary spent six weeks at the course and caught the eye of Cambridge United Football Club talent scouts.

He has since been training and taking part in mid-week games to improve his skills.

CUFC are second on the Conference League ladder. If they win their season they will move up to League 2.

Nazary has been fortunate enough to watch some of the best players in action, attending an Arsenal versus Chelsea English Premier League game and watching England take on Finland.

“It was a dream come true to watch those players, to watch what they do and learn from it,” he said.

Emigrating to Katanning from Afghanistan with his family in 2008, Nazary has always dreamed of being a professional league player.

Back home in WA, he helped establish the Katanning Association Soccer Club and has competed in tournaments across the Great Southern, in Perth events and took part in a national tournament in the US.

“My family has been very supportive of me from day one when I chose football,” he said.

“They have been there for me every time I need them and without their support, it wouldn’t be possible.”