Every soccer player’s dream is to one day end up playing their beloved game across seas in Europe, the premier spot to play the sport worldwide.

Last season’s leading scorer from the varsity team, senior forward Jakob Burdett, will be traveling overseas this summer to in Leeds, England go to school at the Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy [RIASA] where he will get his full education while beginning his soccer career against other top academies from across Europe.

He visited the school last year and immediately signed.

“When I went down there for my visits and played against others for a couple of days I thought I did really good,” Burdett said. “I’m not trying to sound cocky but I wasn’t surprised when they offered me, I had a really good feeling about getting offered.”

Although the academy is new, it has had a few players sign professional contracts, including Huddersfield Town FC forward Nahki Wells and Kemi Kings player Ryan Jones.

“They’ve not been around for that long, around ten years,” Burdett said. “But I know they’ve had people sign professional contracts so the opportunity is definitely there for me.”

Burdett has been preparing for the jump in talent level from here to England,where he will be up against greater competition.

“I’ve definitely been working out a lot more lately,” he said. “Just been practicing a lot more and getting ready to head over there later this year.”

His dream has always been to go overseas and play.

“It’s been my dream since I was like six, it’s a huge deal,” Burdett said.

Lions Varsity coach Mike Murphy was really proud to know his former forward is going to play the game at the next level.

“I am very proud of Jake for all of his accomplishments,” Murphy said. “He is a talented player and deserves to play at the next level. It will be especially fun for him to do that in the country that invented the game, where soccer is the most popular sport.”

Murphy said he will keep up with Burdett while he is in England, just like he keeps up with all of his other former players.

“I ask all of my former players to send me an update from time to time and let me know how they are doing,” he said. “I also try to catch up when I see them in the summer [at the Alumni game for example].”

Junior Hunter Jewell thinks it’s pretty cool to have a teammate going to play in Europe.

Burdett said his top-choice team to play for would be in La Liga, the premier Spanish soccer league.All soccer players have their dream teams to play for, and his is the top team in La Liga, Spain.

“I’d say [I would like to play for] Real Madrid because they have Cristiano Ronaldo,” Burdett said. “He’s my favorite player because he’s the best.”

Although Burdett will separated from friends and family, he is eager to get in the game.

“I’m going to miss my friends and family while I’m over there, but I’m still playing my favorite game.”