This summer, LFE’s Erasmus+ player placement programme has provided a dozen players with the opportunity to train and play in Sweden. The twelve, all released at the end of last term, have joined up with five Swedish clubs; Ange IF, Bodens BK, Gottne IF, IFK Ostersund and Ytterhogdals IK.
Here’s what a trio of that group have made of their experience so far:
Stuart Callaway
Apprenticeship at: Blackburn Now: Ange IF
I am gaining good experience playing in Sweden and I’m learning a lot about life in general. I’m grateful for LFE’s support, they helped me make my mind up to make the decision to take this opportunity and then made all the arrangements to get me here.
Things aren’t going exactly to plan on the pitch at the moment but we’re improving with each passing week and the lads and I have been really welcomed to the club and area by all the locals.
Josh Chatee
Apprenticeship at: Reading Now: Ange IF
I am really enjoying my experience in Sweden, playing and meeting new people. It definitely makes you more independent and self-sufficient. In England players at academies have everything done for them, whereas here you have to stand on your own two feet.
Learning a different way of playing and new culture is helping me develop as a player and this has been a great opportunity from LFE to continue my development as a footballer.
Jack Butts
Apprenticeship at: Shrewsbury Town Now: Boden BK
LFE were hugely supportive throughout my time as an apprentice. They offered much more support than I really expected and obviously that was really important, particularly when I was released and faced with looking at what was next. Those further opportunities entailed this chance to come across and continue playing football.
If you look at the map I’m right up in the far right corner of Sweden, which I’ve found to be an amazing country. I love the football and the culture. I am having to be very independent but everybody has been very friendly and I’ve been made to feel very welcome here.
