Charlie Lands Top Prize In Generation Game

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Casper name back at Turf Moor as young keeper earns scholar deal

2021-02-26T10:38:25.958Z

Charlie Lands Top Prize In Generation Game

Casper name back at Turf Moor as young keeper earns scholar deal

2021-02-26T10:38:25.958Z

Casper name back at Turf Moor as young keeper earns scholar deal

The Clarets have a famous name back in the building after signing Charlie Casper as a scholar.

The goalkeeper, who will be 16 in April, will join Burnley on a full-time basis in the summer as he looks to follow in the footsteps of grandfather Frank.

Frank Casper earned his place in Turf Moor history as one of the Clarets’ finest strikers before becoming a long-serving staff member who twice served as first-team manager.

Top scoring in his first two seasons in the top-flight, the former Rotherham United forward netted 89 goals in 275 games for Burnley across almost a decade of duty before injury sadly curtailed his playing career in January, 1976.

Charlie Lands Top Prize In Generation Game - Image 1

Rossendale-based Charlie – son of former Manchester United and Reading defender and current Salford City FC Sporting Director Chris – will be looking to keep them out of the net, rather than put them in, after converting from a midfield player to a goalkeeper.

And Casper senior is delighted to see his grandson take an important step towards a possible future in the game by becoming the only one of the Clarets’ Under-16 squad to be awarded a two-year scholarship within the Academy set-up.

“I’m very proud of him. He’s worked hard to get this,” said Frank.

“I used to watch him as a junior when he was a midfielder and I thought he was a good player then.

“He strikes a good ball, which helps for goalkeepers in today’s game.

“He’s a level-headed lad who will work hard and he knows what it takes to be a footballer from myself and his dad.

“It’s always difficult as a goalkeeper because it’s one position, but I just hope he can make it all the way.”

Charlie Lands Top Prize In Generation Game - Image 2

Charlie has been at the Clarets’ Academy since the age of 12 and part of the club’s Under-18 group since the turn of the year.

“It’s been hard work but it’s been enjoyable and going to be able to play football full-time is exciting,” he said.

“Burnley have had England goalkeepers for the last few years, and two at once at times, so it’s a good club to be at for goalkeepers.

“Hopefully one day I can carry on where grandad left off. He’s very pleased and he and my dad are always there to help and advise me when I need it.”

Burnley-born Chris came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford as one of the ‘Class of 92’ to launch a playing career which was also unfortunately ended prematurely by injury.

“We’re really pleased for Charlie and proud of what he’s done so far,” said Chris.

“It’s nice that he’s a big Burnley fan as well. We watch them home and away as much as we can and it’s great that he’s got on the next step of the ladder there.”