Like a lot of young Australians, Jake Thompson has headed overseas in search of life-affirming experiences not found in his backyard – an adventure that, in his case, comes with an exciting twist.
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And like a lot of young Australians, he apparently isn’t interested in listening to fatherly advice.
After scoring North Companions’ second goal in their 2-0 grand final win over Mushies in September, the 20-year-old flew to England to begin an extensive round of auditions in search of a soccer contract.
His father, Gavin, who coached North Companions last season but has since stood down, said his son had been in England for two-and-a-half months with his girlfriend, Mystie, and had given himself two years to land a gig.
Gavin said his son’s next trial was with Northern Premier League club Workington this week.
The clubs he had already trialled at include League Two outfits Carlisle United and Barnet.
“He’s been to quite a few clubs, just seeing what he can do,” said Gavin, a forensic investigator with Tamworth police.
“With the teams he’s trained with, he feels he’s been in the mix,” Gavin added.
Gavin, however, would like his son to be attacking the perhaps once-in-a-lifetime task differently. But even with his extensive soccer pedigree, Jake has decided to “do it his way”.
His parents are supportive of that, although Gavin believes that Jake must adopt a different approach if "he wants to make a real go at it”.
“My personal opinion is he’s not giving himself long enough at each club,” Gavin said. “He’s contacting clubs and they say ‘Come to training’ and he’s leaving the one he’s at.
“He’s not giving himself enough time for the managers to appreciate what he can do. Anyway, he’s got to work it out for himself.”
Another obstacle facing his son, Gavin said, was his position – midfielder.
Gavin said the leagues Jake had targeted don’t have a lot of use for midfielders.
“They’re not really playing midfielders – just long balls from fullbacks up to the forwards,” he said. “He’s having a bit of difficulty adjusting to the style.”