Lucas joined Cranleigh Youth FC in the U8s and under the management and coaching of Steve Barnes, Doug Hughes and more recently Richard Coleman was part of a very successful multiple league and cup winning squad through to last seasons U16.
During the U10 season (2010-11) Lucas was spotted by the scouting network of Reading FC whilst playing at Snoxhall Fields and selected to join one of their Elite football programs of 15-20 boys who train and receive coaching for 30 weeks of the year at the John Madjeski Academy (JMA). Each term there would be a review of the players attendance, development, attitude and ability and Lucas was invited back each term until last seasons final U16 intake.
With the expectation to play trial games and progress to the next step of signing for the Reading FC Academy at any time, each year continued with coaching and training sessions under the eye of the coaches. Lucas never lost focus, as others did, and last season he was given the chance to play against Brentford FC, scoring twice. Before the game ended Lucas was offered a place in the Reading FC JMA 6th form Elite football studies program, 1 of only 2 boys to be successful from his training squad. There he will study for 3 A-levels alongside playing football under the guidance of the Academy coaches. 40% of the week is football training in addition to matches on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (if selected!) so another two years to enjoy, focus, train hard and hope for the best.
Everyone at Cranleigh Youth FC wishes to congratulate Lucas on this wonderful achievement and wish him all the best with this next chapter. He is an inspiration to all the younger age groups and shows what can be achieved.
