"The six-a-side tournament, fronted by YouTuber KSI, shakes up the game with its 15-minute halves and a 3 vs 3 format in the closing minutes. Now on its second season, the league has opened the door for young footballers, like Bryan Ly, who have spent years trying to get wider recognition. He tells BBC Newsbeat getting the chance to showcase his talent in front of football legends like John Terry and Ian Wright, who are among the team managers, has been "absolutely crazy.""
"Like many young kids growing up, becoming a professional footballer was Bryan's dream. Born in Ireland, his parents moved to Manchester when he was 10 as they wanted to give him and his seven-year-old brother the "best opportunity" to make it. The 22-year-old's talent was noticed as a teenager and he joined Morecambe FC's under-16s academy. He hoped to get offered a professional contract at the end of his two-year scholarship, but he was dropped at age 18."
The UK Baller League launched a six-a-side competition with 15-minute halves and a 3 vs 3 closing format, fronted by YouTuber KSI. The tournament mixes ex-professionals, content creators and emerging players and is now in its second season. Team managers include former stars such as John Terry and Ian Wright, providing direct visibility for newcomers. Young players like 22-year-old Bryan Ly have used the platform to showcase abilities after academy setbacks. Bryan moved from Ireland to Manchester as a child, joined Morecambe FC's under-16s, and was released at 18 before continuing his career in non-league football.
Read at www.bbc.com
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