After Two Seasons with Nottingham Forest, Kiwi Footballer Dylan Burns is Ready to Take on Europe

This article is presented in partnership with Nike Football

Dylan Burns is a young footballer with a big future. The 19-year-old Kiwi is back in New Zealand after spending the last two seasons with storied English club Nottingham Forest.

Burns, who hails from Auckland, will play this Stirling Sports Premiership season for new expansion team Tasman United, which is based out of Nelson.

Despite his age, Burns brings plenty of experience to his new team. Nottingham Forest signed Burns straight out of the Nike Academy Most Wanted in Staffordshire, only two weeks after he began a three-month training program there in 2014.

Once called a "teenage soccer prodigy" by the New Zealand Herald, Burns headed to the Nike Academy under The Chance program, which is now known as Nike Academy Most Wanted. The program is stocked with a rotating squad of young un-signed rising stars who gain access to top level club scouts, coaching, and training.

Burns is now back on home soil and motivated to prove he's got the goods to be a professional footballer back in Europe again. VICE Sports caught up with him to talk about training, opportunity, and why football means so much to him.

VICE Sports: When did football first come into your life?

Dylan Burns: When I was about five years old. The main reason I got into football was because my Grandad played for Cardiff City in Wales. He used to visit us every Christmas and we'd always go down to the beach and kick a ball about. I joined a local club and things escalated from there.

Growing up, did you have a player you modeled your of football on?

I didn't really have a player that I tried to be like. I used to hear of players like Steven Gerrard or Lionel Messi but as I got to the age of 13 or 14, I would look at the players in the first team at my club and try to play like them as best I could. Those guys were my idols when I was growing up.

When did you first believe you could potentially become a professional footballer?

I think, as a kid, you always think you'll be the best player in the world. But when you get to the age of 14 or 15, you see all the other talent and start to understand football a bit more; you realise how tough it's going to be. After taking part in the Nike Academy, that's when the reality set in that I'd have a real opportunity.

So is becoming a pro footballer a dream come true for you?

It definitely is a dream come true. I mean, I've been playing this sport since I was five years old and sacrificed so much for this goal, so to actually do it was something special.

What lessons did you learn at Nottingham Forest that will hold you in good stead for the rest of your career?

I learnt a lot at Nottingham Forest, but the main thing I learnt was that you have to be mentally strong in order to make it to the top. You have to really want it and you have to do everything in your power in order to stay in that environment. I think half the battle on match day is won based on your frame of mind. It's a very important part of the game and it's just as important as the physical side I believe.

What approaches do you use to stay on top of your game?

Physically I keep in shape by sticking to a gym program and, most importantly, keeping a strict focus on my diet. I think it's important to eat well all week so you're getting the most out of your training. I also keep a diary, so I can recap on games and training.

Can you share any words of wisdom your coaches or trainers have passed onto you?

If I could pass on any advice I've had from coaches and trainers, it would be to enjoy your football. I've learnt that you play your best when you're smiling and remembering why you started in the first place.

What are your goals and aspirations as a football player?

My initial goal is to have a good season in the New Zealand Premiership and then go back over to Europe and earn a professional contract. I also have my eye set on a FIFA World Cup spot and the Under-20s World Cup next year, so hopefully all these things will happen in good time.