User:Beatpoet/sandboxBirse

Zachary Robert Birse (born 10 January 1999) is an English professional footballer who plays for Brightlingsea Regent as a defender. He is a product of the Brentford and Norwich City academies.

Brentford
After beginning his youth career as a forward with Langley Colts, Wormley Rovers and Harlow Town, Birse joined the academy at Brentford on trial in January 2015 and progressed to sign a scholarship deal on 29 June 2015. He was developed as a central defender made 14 appearances and scored three goals for the youth team during the 2015–16 season, also captained the team on occasion. He also broke into the club's Development Squad late in the season, making five appearances. Due to the closure of the Brentford academy, Birse had his scholarship terminated by mutual consent on 1 July 2016.

Norwich City
On 11 August 2016, it was announced that Birse entered the Norwich City academy to join the U18 team as a second-year scholar. A persistent hip injury prevented him from making an appearance for the club's U18 or U23 teams before his release during the 2017–18 season.

Dunstable Town (loan)
On 17 November 2017, Birse joined Southern League Premier Division club Dunstable Town on loan. The following day, he made the first senior appearance of his career in a 1–0 defeat to Gosport Borough.

Östersunds
Birse moved to Sweden to join Division 2 Norrland club IFK Östersund in time for the beginning of the 2018 season. He joined the club as part of the LFE's Erasmus+ Player Placement Programme and subsequently signed a contract until the end of the 2018 season. He made 13 appearances for the club.

Surf Coast
In January 2019, Birse received international clearance to play for Victorian State League Division 4 West club Surf Coast. He made 14 appearances and scored one goal during the 2019 season.

Brightlingsea Regent
On 25 September 2020, Birse returned to England to join Isthmian League Premier Division club Brightlingsea Regent on a free transfer. He made four appearances and scored one goal before the 2020–21 season was cancelled.

Personal life
Birse attended Bishop's Stortford High School. Prior to moving to Sweden in 2018, Birse worked as a scaffolder.

Career statistics
