YOU can take the man out of Redditch, but you can’t take Redditch out of the man.

Well, that is the case at least for former Aston Villa youth player Charlie Ward who now plays his trade in the United Soccer League with Canadian side Ottawa Fury, writes Jamie Buchan.

Born in Redditch, Ward, 24, played for both Aston Villa and Stoke City as a youth player, even winning the under 19s NextGen series in 2013.

After spells in America with Houston Dynamo and San Antonio FC, Ward is looking for a fresh start in Canada and with the season fast approaching, Ward cannot wait to get started.

He said: “I am really looking forward to the new chapter here in Ottawa. It is a new experience for me as I have never lived in Canada before so seeing different cultures will be great and even the weather is a new experience for me.

“I am counting down the days until the season is up and running.

“It is hard leaving my Bulldog back home though. She is a British Bulldog and she is my world. Unfortunately, she never wants to talk on FaceTime so that hurts.

"Also, I will miss my grandad. I worry a lot about him as he’s getting old now and you know he hasn’t got years and years left in front of him, so I worry I’m not there to spend valuable time with him.

“But he gets a lot of joy out of me playing well so hopefully I keep performing well and making him proud.”

Having just moved to Ottawa Fury in January, Ward is fully focused on the season ahead but has admitted that he would love to move back to England one day and play his football in the English game.

The former Villa youngster said: “I 100 per cent want to return home to England one day. It is a dream and an aspiration of mine to play for Birmingham City.

“My mum and I talk about it all the time and I very much want to play for my boyhood club and see my mum and dad in the stands. My dad was taking me to Blues games since I was six years-old so having them both there to watch would be a dream.

“I keep up to date with their results and love watching Birmingham City play. I played for Aston Villa for eight years so it is crazy that I played for a rival, but they are both great clubs. However, Birmingham will always be mine and my family’s team.”

Despite the setbacks in his career, Ward has fond memories of his times at Villa and Stoke and credits the American clubs that gave him a shot when he left England.

The midfielder said: “I had a great experience at Aston Villa. I loved the club and the people; I am still in contact with a lot of the boys today.

“Some of them have gone on to do great things with their careers in the game or even outside of it as coaches and even one team mate, Oli Stevenson, is the first team sports scientist.

“Playing for Stoke was also great. I had two and half years there where I went on to be part of the first team squad and on the bench, which was great for my experience and it made me want to achieve more in the game."

Having played football in both England and America, Ward believes there are many differences between the two leagues, mainly in term of the quality of the teams but would recommend a move abroad to any young British player who is looking to play games and get some experience.

He said: “There are many differences between the two leagues and countries. I think ultimately the English league is better, I don’t think anybody doubts that. But I do think the US leagues are growing and is on the right track.

“For me, I enjoy playing football and always being in control of the ball. I really enjoy teams that possess the ball and always are in control.

"Control for me in a game is who has the ball, who is dictating play and asking questions of their opponent and ultimately the best teams find the answers to break down teams whether it comes in the first minute or the last.

“I do think that a move abroad can be a fresh start for a young player. If the opportunity is there and it feels right for you and your family, then you should do it.

“For me it was a very big decision as I’m a home boy and love my family a lot so it wasn’t easy but so far things have been good, but I can always improve and reach the top level in this country – the MLS.

“Getting there means I have to perform and represent this club well and hopefully that will come. I have played at the MLS level before and 100 per cent know I can play at that level. It's just down to opportunity but that is life in general; everyone needs a chance.”