Lucas Inchincoli
Nickname: Inch
Affiliation, Gym / Organization you represent: FC BULLEN LIONS NPL Club
Personal story, My love for soccer started when i was just 2yrs old. Dad would play with me and I really enjoyed it. I started at mini soccer programs and cried at first because I was really shy and still am to this day.
I played indoor soccer for 2 yrs then when I turned 5 I was able to train outdoors. My first club was FC Bulleen Lions Under 6’s, here we just trained and learnt ball skills for our age appropriate stage.
The following year i moved to Templestowe United, where we pretty much did the same, ball skills then mini games for the last 10 mins of the session. During the off season, we played 5 Aside, which is a shorter soccer match top prepare us for games the following year. Once you reach under 8 yrs old you can commence playing matches against other clubs and that’s what I did. I stayed with Templestowe United in the under 8’s team, our team was one of the top teams in our age group in the club, I was also one of the top strikers for the club.
Then at the end of 2015 year I had to sit trails to qualify to play at FC Bulleen Lions NPL Miniroos team. This was the hardest thing I had to face, emotionally and physically. I was only 8 at the time and I wasn’t guaranteed a spot in the club with my friends who I had played with for 3 yrs. We were all quite nervous.
The first round offers came out and I wasn’t selected, however 2 of my friends were. I was so disappointed, upset with myself and the system. It took me a while to understand that every club works differently. Second round offers came out, again, it wasn’t good.. I wanted to give up playing, I thought I wasn’t good enough and that’s it. I was going to choose another sport.
Third round offers came out and I was offered a spot on my birthday. It was the best gift ever. This year (2016) i was privilege to play with an amazing NPL club in their under 9’s league. I’ve learnt so much grown so much and have the desire to become the best soccer player I can. I want to be a professional player when I’m older.
Soon I will be trialing again for a spot in their Under 10’s team next year, this time I know the pressure, I understand that some make it and others don’t, it doesn’t mean I’m not good enough, it is just someone else’s opinion.
Achievements / medals/ awards: Lucas was named captain of his U14NPL soccer team
Wisdom: Tina and Sheila believe that Lucas shows immense wisdom for his age
I wish I knew / hints and tips: I wish I knew that its ok to fail, that practice makes perfect, well it makes you better!
By Josie Inchicoli Lucas’s mother:
“I’m writing to let you know that Lucas was named captain of his U14NPL soccer team. This is huge for Lucas and he would have achieved this with the help of your sounds and your ongoing support and treatment. Can’t wait to see what the future will bring for Lucas in his chosen sport as he wants this to be his career and at a professional level.”
