Goalie Dreams ... Help Lucas Go to Manchester & Barcelona

Hi everyone, I'm Alicia-Jane, Lucas' incredibly proud mum, and I'm still pinching myself as I write this!

Our amazing Lucas, a hilarious, hardworking, and big-hearted goalkeeper, recently attended the Global Football Network showcase in Brisbane. From over 500 talented young players across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, Lucas has been selected as one of only 20 (Lucas is one of two goal keepers) to join their elite teams heading to Manchester, England this September! Yes, you read that right – our Lucas made the cut! Cue the happy tears (and maybe a few excited F-bombs!).

The scouts and coaches from Global Football Network recognized Lucas' outstanding attitude, ability, game awareness, and technical skill during the showcase. This incredible opportunity will see him play 7-8 high-level games against genuine academy teams, participate in training sessions with a professional club, enjoy a Premier League game day experience, and tour iconic stadiums. It's a dream come true!

But the incredible news doesn't end there! Lucas, who is in a sports excellence program, has also been selected to represent his school in a tournament in Barcelona, Spain, this December. It's an absolute whirlwind of amazing opportunities, with two big overseas trips coming up for him.

Back home, Lucas is our star Academy 1 goalkeeper for Logan Lightning – a true force between the sticks with ambitions as big as any stadium. He's also a TSP shadow player and represents Carina FC Futsal. His coaches rave about him, his teammates love his spirit, and anyone who knows him will tell you he brings both the laughter and the incredible saves.

Football is deeply woven into Lucas' story. Even before he was born, his Papai (Dad), Fabio Carlos Fraga, a goalkeeper himself who played in Brazil and Portugal, dreamt of Lucas following in his footsteps. From the moment Lucas could sit, Fabio would playfully train him in our doorway.

Sadly, we lost our wonderful Fabio to aggressive brain cancer in 2021. It was an unimaginable loss, especially for Lucas, who adored his Papai, his hero. Yet, on the very morning Fabio passed, Lucas showed incredible strength, playing in his local carnival cup because he knew that's what his Papai would have wanted. He didn't concede a single goal that day, even winning a penalty shootout.

While Lucas' stepdad and I are bursting with pride, we know Fabio would be his loudest supporter from above, cheering every save and every step.

This tour with the Global Football Elite Touring Squad is a life-changing opportunity for Lucas. However, as any sports parent knows, these incredible experiences come with significant costs – travel, training gear, uniforms, and registration fees. So, with a humble heart, I'm reaching out for your support.

Whether you can contribute $5, share this campaign with your network, or simply send positive vibes our way, every bit of help will bring Lucas closer to realizing his dream. He has worked so hard for this, and with a little support, I know he'll make the absolute most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in Lucas and for backing this amazing young keeper.

Let's get Lucas to Manchester & Barcelona!

Warmly,

Alicia-Jane Cappello