Luka E. Chalwell signs professional football contract with UK club
Chalwell, a product of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) development pathways, started under the watchful eye of Coach John Reilly, flourished in the BDO Schools League, and blossomed in the BVIFA Youth teams before earning his first full international cap in the Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Guatemala in 2021.
Since then, he has represented the territory in the Concacaf Nations League and has been in England learning his trade at clubs such as Poole Town, where he scored a hat trick in the FA Youth Cup, before getting his chance with the Eastleigh Elite Development Programme courtesy of a recommendation to Lee Bradbury, Manager of Eastleigh FC, from the VI National Coach Chris M. Kiwomya, who has also been working with Chalwell on improving his all-round game.
Chalwell ‘has a good chance of making the first team’- Kiwomya
According to a press release from the BVIFA today, June 19, 2023, Chalwell impressed both Kiwomya and Eastleigh with his work ethic and has also shown an exemplary attitude to gain his chance, as well as being rewarded for his undoubted talent. He also showed a willingness to listen to Coaches and Mentors alike and benefitted from being able to work with Kiwomya.
“I was able to get Luka (Chalwell) the opportunity, but he had to show dedication to learn the game and improve himself,” stated Kiwomya. “He has really improved over 12-18 months, has an eye for goal, good stamina and is a good header of the ball. I was happy to step in and help him achieve his dream, which he's grabbed with both hands, and I believe he has a good chance of making the breakthrough to the first team and playing at a higher level.”
Chalwell ‘looking forward to the challenge ahead’
Chalwell was excited to learn of the offer to sign the professional two-year contract.
“This is such a proud moment for myself and my family, signing my first professional contract with Eastleigh FC. I want to thank my parents for their unwavering support and sacrifice throughout my journey so far. Words can’t describe how I feel to have reached this stage. I’ve always worked very hard but especially this past year, putting my all into further developing my physical and mental skills whilst working very hard to condition my body for the intense physicality of professional-level football which has allowed me this opportunity with Eastleigh FC. I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
According to an announcement on the Eastleigh FC website, “Chalwell has been involved in training with the first team in the latter stages of the season and impressed, earning himself a pro deal.
“Chalwell’s new manager Lee Bradbury, further stated: “I’m really pleased to have the lad on board. He has excellent ability and I’m looking forward to seeing the progress through the early years of professional football.”
BVIFA ‘proud of Luka’- President Bickerton
BVFA President, Andrew D. Bickerton added “The BVIFA is very proud of Luka, he is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and the essential and necessary family support.”
Those sentiments were echoed by BVIFA Technical Director, Dan Neville. “Congratulations to Luka, the first of what we hope is many more to follow!” Neville stated.
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24 Responses to “Luka E. Chalwell signs professional football contract with UK club”
Hate have you accomplish. Congrats!!!!!!!
Football is a team sport so if there are people who are more talented in the bvi team they would shine just as much as Luka or more get of bro d**k and stop hating
If it was trouble they would have been quick to say who he for
Congratulations are in order for His positive energy ????????????????????????