As the 24th Canon Lion City Cup comes to an end, one cub is preparing for his new battleground in Germany, Europe. Bryan Neubronner was a squad member of the Under-15 team that won bronze in the inaugural Youth Olympics Games back in 2010 and runner-up in the 23rd Canon Lion City Cup in 2011. After his short stint with Croatian club NK Osijek back in 2010, this will be the real test for the 17 year old as he would be joining the under-19 side of German club SSV Ulm 1846 for the next two years. The opportunity came about after impressing the head coach during a trial with the club and securing a visa for his stay in Europe. Bryan spoke to aXrosstheline.com before he leaves for Germany next week.
What was your initial reaction that you are on your way to Germany to fulfill your dream?
“I was relieved that my visa was finally approved as I was quite disappointed that the one with Croatia fell through and is just glad that everything else is in place now.”
How do you feel about your new club SSV Ulm 1846?
“Everyone at the club have been very friendly and I could mingle with my teammates and feel comfortable with them. I think I would be able to adapt very soon .”
How was the training in Europe and how different was it compared to Singapore?
“After my last stint in Croatia, I could play a faster game with my NFA teammates as the pace of the game in Europe is much faster. Although I am one of the faster ones among my teammates here, in Europe they are not only just as fast, but physically bigger and stronger. The coaches there also allow the players to play with more freedom, switching positions regularly when they play a different team or when placed in a different scenario.”
How did your family play a part in your football career?
“I am very lucky that my parents are very supportive, not every parents are like them. My dad would get off work, sends me for national training and usually stays to watch me train and offers me some advice afterwards. He is always looking for games on the weekends and wants me to get as many game time as possible as I do not play a full game at times with the NFA team. When I just started playing football, my dad would fetch me to train with Marko (Kraljević ) for two hours daily and that really helped me to improve as I only started football at 13 whereas the other boys from the NFA started when they were 8 or 9. Although my mum is more keen for me to stay in Singapore, she has allowed me to explore my options and supports me as I try to realise my dream.”
What target have you set for yourself in the next two years?
“Although SSV Ulm 1846 are currently not playing in the German Bundesliga, there are some really talented players in the team. I hope that with my hard work I could break into the first team after one year and help them to gain promotion back into the top division.”
aXrosstheline.com would like to wish Bryan all the very best in Germany and we will be keeping everyone in Singapore updated on Bryan’s progress!
