Ex-non-League footballer urges young players to seek opportunities abroad

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A former non-league footballer, Ibrahim Thomas, whose career took him across dozens of clubs and several countries, has encouraged young players to embrace opportunities to play abroad, describing the experience as one of the most rewarding parts of his journey.

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As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Thomas, who represented clubs including Shaw Lane, Stafford Rangers, Frickley Athletic and Mickleover, spent the longest spell of his career during his second stint at Brighouse Town between 2020 and 2023.

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Despite his extensive travels, he admits he has never kept track of the many destinations his football career has taken him.

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“Not at all. There’s definitely been too many to count,” Thomas said.

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The well-travelled defender reflected on a career that saw him play in England, Belgium, Canada and the United States.

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While he acknowledged that some of his moves were motivated by better financial opportunities rather than career progression, he believes the experience of working under different coaches and adapting to different styles of football was invaluable.

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“It’s been a good experience but it could have been better. I moved up or went sideways for more money,” he said.

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“But playing in different countries was a great experience and I would encourage all young players to go and experience that if they get a chance.

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“I worked under different coaches with different ideas and philosophies.”

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Thomas also revealed that his career nearly came to an end in 2013 after a serious groin injury.

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While working in a call centre in Rotherham, he even considered joining the army before receiving an opportunity to revive his playing career with Thunder Bay Chill in Ontario, Canada.

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Earlier in his career at Stocksbridge Park Steels, Thomas played against Jamie Vardy during the striker’s time at Halifax Town, before Vardy went on to represent England and win the Premier League with Leicester City in the 2015-16 season.

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