Mount Gambier's Bae Versace signs soccer contract in Montenegro

A regional South Australian soccer player has made the rare leap onto the European stage, signing a professional contract at the age of 18.

Mount Gambier midfielder Bae Versace has signed with FK Budućnost Podgorica in the capital of Montenegro, after several years in Adelaide United's system.

The European club's senior team has won six Montenegrin First League championships, with its youth side taking part in the UEFA Youth League alongside the continent's best teams including Barcelona, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Versace said heading over to Europe had been more of a dream than a goal for him.

"I was just focused on playing at Adelaide United and trying to make my debut there," he said.

" But when an offer comes from Europe you don't want to turn it down because you might not get that opportunity again. "

Versace started his career with Inter SC in Mount Gambier when he was 8. (Supplied: Mark Versace)

Versace said he was settling into life in the Balkans.

"Food and language are definitely the main two I'm getting used to," he said.

"I came here and had people greeting me out the front of the club and had meetings with the club. And the boys have all been very good to me."

Long path to Europe

Versace played a season as a junior at International Soccer Club in Mount Gambier before moving to MetroStars in Adelaide and being selected in United's junior teams.

Melbourne-based coach Neb Stojkovic worked with Versace from a young age and helped him secure trials in Europe.

"For them, football is a way of living … so they do it with a purpose and everyone is fighting for that next level, and that contract, in the seniors," he said.

"For Bae it's a great opportunity to measure himself."

Nick Morony was one of Versace's coaches when he played for Inter's under-12s at just eight years old.

"He lived and breathed everything soccer," he said.

" When he wasn't doing homework he was out kicking the soccer ball or working on some of the drills we used to do. "

Inter SC players Nick Morony, Matthew Bueti and Caleb Casey at the club's home, Casadio Park. (ABC South East SA: Josh Brine)

Improving opportunities for regions

Versace is thought to be the second Mount Gambier-born player to crack the European game after ex-Socceroo Josip Skoko, who started playing in the town before moving to Geelong at the age of nine.

Versace said his young career showed country athletes had paths to become professionals.

"I don't think they have to look up to me in any way, but I don't see why they can't make the high levels," he said.

Versace developed in Adelaide United's youth system. (Supplied: Mark Versace)

Mr Stojkovic said federations and coaches should work together to improve talent identification for regional players.

"We should go out and dig for them, they should not be short of opportunities," he said.

Football SA Limestone Coast regional development officer Nathan Koopman said federations were working to improve the pathways.

"If we find a player that's of a level to go higher we know we can have them [initiating] conversations and building relationships with coaches in the city," he said.

"When they do make that call to relocate they can then do it with a bit of confidence.

"Of course it's very exciting to look at the best players in the world and their stories as inspiration, but I think it's just as valuable — if not more so — to be able to speak to someone who came from your town, that they can see this is possible."

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