By: Jeremy Magan

After an incredible 2019, Belconnen United's future star Luca Florez is ready to light up the 2020 NPL1 competition.

After scoring seven goals in 13 appearances with Belconnen's NPL U20 side last year, and a brief stint with Canberra United's Foxtel Y-League squad, the 16-year-old flew to Europe to represent Australia with the U16s All Australian Boys Football Team, scoring nine goals in nine games.

Despite admitting he played below his best, the overseas adventure opened Luca's eyes to his future. 

“It was great and I enjoyed it a lot,” he said. “I did not play my best football but scored lots of goals. Playing amongst the best players in Australia, it taught me I had potential.”

With great potential comes great expectations, but the young striker has his feet firmly on the ground, despite his achievements and the praises they attract.

“I never really think about it," he said calmly. "There were a lot of congratulations, but I do not really think about it. It is just someone’s opinion. I just keep playing the same football.”

Now 17 years of age, Florez will play in the NPL1 with Belconnen United this season.

“The players have been very welcoming,” he said. “I was lucky to be introduced into 1st Grade last season so I could get to know the team.”

For the youngster, Belconnen United is the right place to grow. He finds inspiration in his teammates, in particular Dustin Wells and Kofi Danning. He understands the pressure that comes with playing for the Blue Devils and for treble-winning coach Paul Macor.

"For Paul, finishing below top four is a failure for our team,” Luca said. "He is a great coach, I understand exactly what he wants from me. I want to score goals. I want to perform for the team.”

To achieve that, Florez leaves very little to luck.

“I have one-on-one training with a personal coach, at least once a week throughout the season," he said. "It helps me focus on my technique, we do lots of finishing from different positions around the pitch, so eventually I can score from anywhere.”

When it comes to the teenager’s ambition, best talk to his father Alberto.

"Getting through Year 11 and 12 is the priority," Alberto said. "Football is high risk, high reward so you have to have a plan B. The opportunity to trial for some bigger teams, to see what options are available within the A-League clubs, in their youth team, would be an added bonus.”

Luca agrees. “I have ambitions in football, I will go as far as it will take me," he said. "But it is not the only thing I have in mind.”