Help Lucas go play football in Italy !

Hello I am Lucas’s Mum and this is HIS story !❤️

Lucas was only 10 years old when he received the life altering news, he had a very rare form of cancer in his left eye!

Unfortunately there is currently no treatment for this type of cancer, thus radical surgery had to be performed, resulting in his entire eye and eyelids being removed!

You can just imagine the impact this has had on Lucas and our entire family - it was truly heartbreaking !

One of the things that kept Lucas courageous, strong, motivated and positive during this time was, his huge passion for his beloved Football (Soccer).

Lucas has been playing football since he was 3 years old and has never stopped!

True to form, Lucas pushed through the challenges and barriers that he faced and continued to play football. Now at 23 he is still plays with all his heart and soul!

He has played in various Perth local clubs where it earned him a reputation as an incredible striker/winger!

Lucas not only plays but has been an inspirational football coach to Fremantle’s young girl and women leagues for the past 5 years.

His long time dream has always been to have an opportunity to go and play his football in his paternal country, Italy!

Three and half years ago, Lucas had an opportunity to do just that, in the local area where his Italian family are from – but then COVID hit and everything had to be put on hold !

Then one and half years ago, during a match – Lucas injured his knee – only to discover weeks after – that he had completely torn his ACL and therefore needed a ACL reconstruction!

This was truly devastating for Lucas and caused him another set back of a whole year.

Having to have surgery and adhere to seek many different and long-winded options for a strict rehab.

Lucas is truly an incredible young, courageous, determined and disciplined young man (not because he is my son – but he continuously demonstrates these attributes every day).

Last year the whole family went back to Italy/Europe for Christmas – we had not been back for 12 years – it was an incredible time.

During the trip Lucas continued to train and work on his rehab, walking daily to the local football club in Ceriale, Savona to train and heal.

He quickly caught the eye of the young players and couches of the promozione league Ceriale team, where he was asked to come train and play some friendlies – Lucas was becoming known as the ‘Aussie football player’.

During a friendly with the men’s team he turned heads and scored 2 shots out of 3 winning goals !!!

His skills were discovered !

During our time in Italy Lucas was able to make contact with FIFA regional league and has now been given the huge opportunity to come and do the trials to play for either Ceriale or another local team.

The young boy’s dream of playing in Italy could become a real reality in August/September this year…

Lucas would never ask, he’s so humble he would not even think that he has a HUGE story to tell, and be such a HUGE inspiration to many.

So, as his Mum – I am asking for your help. He needs some funds to have whilst in Italy for however long that may be, for his trials and potentially play in an Italian team.

If you think he deserves to go and would love to help him out – we would appreciate anything to help him make this dream a reality.

Thank you so much .