Jacob Collard.
Camera IconJacob Collard. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson        www.communitypix.com.au d448930

Collard reaches out for Glory

Francis CurroComment News

The Canning Vale resident said he had always wanted to play football at this level ever since he was a four-year-old playing for the Gosnells Soccer Club.

Collard made his A-League debut on January 9 this year when he started at home against Adelaide United.

He was given another start a week later but was forced to leave the field in the 63rd minute after receiving a red card and missed Glory’s 6-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The 20-year has always had ambitions to play for Glory, but he also wants to inspire young kids and encourage indigenous kids to give soccer a go.

“I have done some mentoring session with Aboriginal kids and coached some of the kids at the Save the Children around Armadale,” he said.

“For me, the bigger picture is to give indigenous kids more confidence to try new things, even it is a sport like badminton or soccer.”

Collard has been given an opportunity to play for the Glory with captain Michael Thwaite injured.

The backline at the WA-based club has a young feel about it with Aryn Williams, (22) and Marc Warren (22) also recently finding their way into the side, along with Josh Risdon (23).

Collard has put his plumbing career on hold for the time-being and is hoping to win a full-time contract to the Glory next year.

“It is unbelievable, ever since I was four-years-old I wanted to play for the Perth Glory,” he said.

“Ever since I was a kid I used to watch Perth Glory back in the NSL days and to actually be on the stage showing what you are worth is an absolute dream come true.”

Collard said the key to him getting a contract was to keep working on his game and get better at every training session.

“I have goals and aspirations to be the best I can be,” he said.

“The only way to get in the team is if you are training well and adding value to team.

“At the end of the day you are only going to play if you are better than the guy next to you.”