​Adam Przybek Brits Abroad 16:9 – GOALIn the latest instalment of GOAL’s ‘Brits Abroad’ series, a man that played for England schoolboys alongside Phil Foden talks waiting on a contract offer in Bali, dogs on the pitch and what to do in CambodiaThere was a time not all that long ago when British footballers plying their trade abroad were rarer than hen’s teeth. Individual reluctance to leave geographical comfort zones led to collective wings being clipped.This is, however, a brave new world, with cultural advancement meaning that no corner of the planet should be considered too far-flung. Flying the nest and enjoying a different way of life is now an experience to be embraced, rather than feared.Of course there are challenges – professional and personal hurdles that need to be cleared on the way – but why not embrace those instead of shying away from them? More and more players are adopting that mindset.Taking that into account, and as we are forever told that travel broadens the mind, GOAL will be helping to tell the story of some of intrepid explorers that have broken down barriers and found themselves in a position to impart both sporting and holidaying wisdom.Next up is Adam Przybek, a man who has taken the scenic route from Nuneaton in the West Midlands to the Takeo Province of Cambodia via Poland, Wales and Indonesia…Catching eyes across the West MidlandsWest Brom, Coventry and Birmingham all offered academy opportunities“I started out with my local team from the Midlands, a small town called Atherstone. One of my friends at school, I basically played for his dad’s team. I played there for three years, ended up joining West Brom Academy when I was seven and was there then for 12 years until I was 19. I was spotted by West Brom playing local tournaments. I played for Atherstone and then I went to Coventry, Birmingham, Villa and West Brom, and it was only Villa that didn’t offer a contract at seven or eight. So for me at the time, West Brom was the best. The goalkeeper coach was really good, he’s actually now at Villa, so he’s done well for himself as well.”Goalkeeping genes skipped a generationLife as a shot-stopper made possible by reaching 6ft 4in in height“I had started playing outfield, but only for a few weeks. At the age of four, one weekend they needed a keeper and they asked who wanted to play in goal. I didn’t really know what I was putting myself up for, but I just said ‘yeah, me’. Luckily there was a guy there coaching, he was a semi-pro goalkeeper, so he took me under his wing and taught me the basics. I guess he helped to put me on a good level to get into an academy.“When I signed for West Brom, height was a massive thing. The scout there, Steve Hopcroft, he’s actually just passed away, he was always looking at the parents. He was like, ‘you judge a goalkeeper’s height by the parents’, and funnily enough my parents aren’t massive! I think I’ve skipped a generation and got my grandparents’ height. It’s