Gabe Kircough is eager to make the most of his chances in his second season at Forest Green Rovers after gaining valuable experience at the top of the Welsh football pyramid.
The Swansea-born defender took an unusual route into the English professional game, playing for Pontardawe Town and Penybont across the third, second and first tiers in his home nation.
Despite limited game time since his transfer last season, the 22-year-old believes he can make an impact at a Forest Green side adjusting to the departure of manager Robbie Savage.
A new environment in England
Kircough described his move to England as a completely new experience, having never been full-time at a club before signing in January.
"I had never been full-time at clubs. It was my first time playing in England when I signed in January. It was a completely new experience, a new environment to be around a really talented group. It's taken some adjusting, but I don't feel out of place now. I've loved every minute," he said.
The Gloucestershire club currently sit mid-table in the National League, three years after relegation from League One, but remain football's greenest club through initiatives such as serving exclusively vegan food and using recycled materials for matchday kits.
Learning from a hectic schedule
Despite the short distance across the River Severn, owner Dale Vince's carefully considered approach at Forest Green contrasts sharply with Kircough's busy schedule in Wales.
"I was trying to take the positives from it. I was playing for my college, for my school, for my youth team, for the first team at 16, 17 and 18. So I was playing sometimes four games a week, training every day," he said.
"I was playing games constantly, so I think I learned loads from that. A lot of lads that were playing U21s football or youth team football aren't getting that competitive age as well."
He added that playing four competitive games where results matter, especially at a young age, taught him transferable skills for full-time football where every game is significant and there is a lot at stake for the club.
A different style of play
A collaborative initiative with Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland placed potted plants in the changing rooms at The New Lawn to ease the high-pressure environment during Stress Awareness Week.
Forest Green's style of football also differs markedly from Kircough's previous clubs. "[Penybont] were set-piece based, longer balls, getting off second balls, so it was completely different," he said.
"Football wise, the style of play was taking some adjusting, but I think it suits me as well because I've come from a really physical league where you've got to be able to stand up yourself against big, strong men. To have that and then be able to adjust to the playing style, I think it creates a more well-rounded player."
