麻豆社国产native Taran Bir has found himself on a European vacation of sorts.
After several years of playing soccer at some of the highest levels in 麻豆社国产and North Vancouver, Bir recently signed with Kaposvari Rakoczi FC in Hungary.
"I was relieved from the trials and had a lot of weight lifted off my shoulders when I signed," he told The Chief. "I am excited to start my pro career and hopefully bring success in the future for myself."
Back in June 2010, Bir, then 17, travelled to Italy to take part in the Genova International School of Soccer (GISS) and took on several elite teams in the country. He returned to Italy later that year to continue pursuing his dream of catching on in Europe.
After excelling with the West Vancouver U18 team in Las Vegas in April 2011 and starring for Khalsa in the Howe Sound Men's Soccer League, Bir made his way back to Europe and caught on with the Hungarian club.
Kaposvari Rakoczi plays in the 16-team OTP Bank Liga, the highest level of professional soccer in Hungary and the 35th-ranked league in Europe. As of press time, Bir's team sits tied for 13th place in the league.
While he may be thousands of miles from home, Bir admitted that his loved ones in 麻豆社国产are still on his mind.
"I miss my family and my great friends back home, but football is about sacrifice and they have all been very supportive of my decisions," he said.
The season concludes on May 26 and Bir hopes to come back home and spend some time with his family and friends before the team starts up again for the 2012-'13 season.
For more information on GISS, visit www.issgenova.com.
