The Story of Lucas - A Testament to Patience, Development, and the Right Environment

It was a beautiful summer evening at Netherpollok in June 2024, as our Under-13 squad continued their preparations for the transition to 11-a-side football with a match against EKYC.

Our team—a special group with great balance and chemistry—played some outstanding football and secured a resounding 14-0 victory. However, what stood out most that evening wasn't just the scoreline, but a player on the opposing team who left a lasting impression on me.

A tall centre-half, calm and composed on the ball, brave under pressure, and constantly encouraging his teammates despite the result. He had all the attributes I value at On The Ball Academy. As fate would have it, his father Ross was friendly with some of our parents. Lucas, it turned out, was looking for a new challenge. Ross reached out, and we arranged for Lucas to train with us over the summer.

I had a long chat with Ross one evening at Scotstoun, outlining the development plan we had in mind for Lucas. With a very strong squad in place, Lucas began the season on the bench in our opening 6-1 win over Easterhouse. At halftime, I brought him on to allow Gary to move into midfield. Lucas immediately impressed—his composure, decision-making, and ability to build from the back added something unique to our already solid defence.

From that moment on, Lucas never looked back. In training, we implemented a build-out structure that leveraged his ability to drive into midfield, changing the dynamic of our attack. As the season progressed, he became an integral part of our team as we charged toward the top of the league and multiple cup finals.

One game that stands out was a friendly against Benburb U14, a team a year older. We were struggling in midfield, so I moved Lucas into the centre of the park, where his athleticism, intelligence, and versatility helped us regain control. That moment marked another key milestone in his development.

By the turn of the year, our age group had drawn the attention of scouts from top clubs across the country, including Celtic and Rangers. However, Lucas faced his toughest challenge yet in a 4-3 loss to WOSFA—our first defeat of the season. Nervous early on, he was at the centre of a tough first ten minutes. In the aftermath, we worked closely together, reviewing video footage and focusing on specific aspects of his defensive play. Lucas took it all in, showing a maturity well beyond his years.

Soon after, the call came from Rangers, followed by invites to train with both Queen’s Park and Kilmarnock. Throughout it all, Ross remained grounded and supportive—a refreshing and essential factor in Lucas’ growth. I can’t thank him enough for the trust he placed in me and the team.

The turning point came on a bright summer evening at Barrowfield, in a friendly against Celtic as they prepared for a tournament against Burnley. I had spoken with Willie McNab beforehand to flag Lucas. Although we narrowly lost the game, Lucas stood out—enough for Celtic to act quickly, inviting him to play in a friendly against Hibernian the following Saturday.

I must give my heartfelt thanks to both Willie and Michael at Celtic for their support, and especially for allowing Lucas to represent us one final time in our cup final before his trial match.

And what a moment that trial became: Lucas played—and scored the only goal—in a 1-0 win for Celtic against Hibs. Before Michael had even left the car park, he phoned to say they wanted to sign him.

A Personal Reflection

This journey has filled me with immense pride—not just in Lucas, but in the principles we live by at On The Ball Academy. Lucas’ story is a powerful reminder that no child is just "intermediate"—every young player has potential, and it’s our responsibility as coaches to nurture that under the right guidance, in the right environment.

It’s not just about winning games; it’s about believing in each player, developing their character, and preparing them for the opportunities that will come when they are ready. Lucas is proof that with patience, support, and the right coaching philosophy, anything is possible.