CASPER HOPING TO CONTINUE HIS FOOTBALL FAMILY'S FOLKLORE

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Goalkeeper Charlie Casper looks ahead to this weekend's Youth Cup encounter against West Ham United

2023-01-18T17:34:29.793Z

CASPER HOPING TO CONTINUE HIS FOOTBALL FAMILY'S FOLKLORE

Goalkeeper Charlie Casper looks ahead to this weekend's Youth Cup encounter against West Ham United

2023-01-18T17:34:29.793Z

CASPER PENS FIRST PROFESSIONAL DEAL - Image 3

“Everyone who supports the Club knows the name and I just hope I can do it proud.”

Casper is a name synonymous with Burnley Football Club and now U18s goalkeeper Charlie Casper is hoping he can become the next chapter in his football family’s folklore.

His grandad, Frank, played for the Clarets between 1967-1974 making 237 appearances and scoring 74 goals before managing Burnley between 1989-1991. His dad Chris meanwhile was one of the infamous Class of ’92 at Manchester United before injury at 24 forced him into early retirement.

CASPER HOPING TO CONTINUE HIS FOOTBALL FAMILY'S FOLKLORE - Image 1

So, it was perhaps inevitable that Charlie followed in the family footsteps, although goalkeeping wasn’t something the Caspers were all too familiar with!

Charlie explained: “I used to practice with my dad in the garden but I always wanted to go in goal and, actually, it turned out I was alright! I don’t think my dad minded me being a 'keeper either because it meant he had to go in goal less when we were kicking it about in the garden!

“Obviously he wasn’t a goalkeeper but he’s been a footballer so he’s still there to help me with his experience and advice.”

Charlie was 11 when he signed for the Clarets and being born and bred locally meant that signing on the dotted line realised a boyhood dream - “I’m from Rossendale and I’ve always been to Burnley games. I came on with my dad and grandad when I was younger so I’ve been coming to Turf Moor all my life really.”

CASPER LOVING LIFE AS A CLARET - Image 3

Being a local lad also means that he understands what the Club means to the fans probably more than most.

“You get what Burnley Football Club means from your family, it gets taught within the family - my dad was born in Burnley, raised in Burnley so it’s in the family. Whenever I speak to people or whenever someone hears my last name, it’s always about my grandad - everyone in Burnley seems to know him! They know my dad as well!

“It doesn’t put extra pressure on me though, it just makes me proud of them. Hopefully I can carry on the Casper name - everyone knows the name around this Club, and I just hope I can carry on the legacy and do the name proud.”

The clash with Norwich City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup wasn’t a straightforward affair. After drawing with the Canaries in normal time, the Young Clarets took the tie all the way to a penalty shoot-out, a moment where Charlie came into his own.

That night, Charlie not only saved two penalties, but he also stepped up and scored his own, sparking scenes of celebration and teeing up this weekend’s game, and a fourth round tie, against the Hammers.

CASPER HOPING TO CONTINUE HIS FOOTBALL FAMILY'S FOLKLORE - Image 3

Reflecting on that game, Charlie said: “It was a really good performance from everyone, no one stood out but everyone was on it and it showed. I’ve always thought if it goes to a penalty shoot-out, I’d back myself to take one.

“I know some of the other lads might be nervous but as a goalkeeper you’re doing shooting most days anyway and you kind of know what the other goalkeeper might be thinking and how they might have prepared.

“I thought I’d take the pressure away from someone else, take some responsibility and I scored so it was a pretty good night!”

Facing West Ham in the fourth round will be one of the toughest test the U18s have faced so far in their careers. The young Hammers sit top of the U18s Premier League with a 16 point cushion and nine wins on the bounce.

Charlie, however, isn’t fazed: “Everyone knows the record of them, everyone’s been talking about it. They’re probably the best team in the country on paper at the minute but I’m expecting us to come out strong. There’s no doubt that we can win, we played well against Norwich and we can play even better than that. I believe we can win and I’m excited for the game."

CASPER HOPING TO CONTINUE HIS FOOTBALL FAMILY'S FOLKLORE - Image 4

His dad, Chris, lifted the FA Youth Cup with Manchester United playing alongside Gary Neville, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs. Now Charlie is hoping to follow in his dad’s path: “We’re all excited for it! The FA Youth Cup comes around once in your career really and it’s your one chance. Academy football is all about progressing as a player and developing but this is the one chance you get to really win something at this level and we’re really looking forward to it.

“My dad won this cup with the Class of ’92 so it’s quite a famous group really! He has his experiences from when he was in that era, and he’ll speak to me before every game and it’ll be the same on Saturday - hopefully I can pick up where he left off!”

Support the U18s in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup on Saturday 21st January at Shawbridge, home of Clitheroe FC when they take on West Ham United. Prices are £3 for adults, £1 for concessions.