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The Manly United youth team forward has a trip to the UK next January, all paid for by Neill.

The two week trial at an as yet unnamed club also includes a range of prizes from the scholarship sponsors with Nike gear, a Sony video-camera and $500 from Bendigo Bank included.

Former Socceroo and Fox Sports pundit Robbie Slater was on hand to help award the left-footer his scholarship at Manly United’s Cromer Park ground on Wednesday.

It’s an area Neill knows well after growing up in the area before embarking on his own journey as a professional at clubs such as Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham, Galatasaray and his current club Al Jazira in the UAE.

After meeting the green and gold leader for the first time, the teen saw close hand what it’s like to make it as a professional footballer.

 “I wasn’t expecting quite as many cameras – I’m just getting used to it. It’s exciting talking to important people such as Lucas,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

 “Of course I want to represent my country; it’s what all kids dream of. I’m just really looking forward to the trip.

“He [Neill] is a legend here at Manly; his support for the club’s been really good. I was really excited to have a word with him.”

Green is the latest recipient of the Lucas Neill Scholarship, now in its sixth year. Previous winners include former Sydney FC and Fury striker Chris Payne.

Neill told au.fourfourtwo.com that his scholarship was aimed at putting back into the game by giving a talented player a chance. The rest is up to the scholarship winner to prove himself.

“Is it easy? No it’s not,” the Socceroo skipper said when quizzed on making it in the dog eat dog world of professional football in Europe.

“And the world is getting smaller and smaller now and the scouting networks of the clubs are getting bigger and bigger. They’ll go to all parts of the world to pick up players.

“Not only are you competing with the best in Australia, or the best in England if you go there; you’re competing with the best in the world now.

“And everyone’s looking for that little something special but sometimes it just comes down to luck.  You could have a good game, on a certain day in front of a certain coach who really needs that style of player.

“And that can be the turning point from being an aspiring kid dreaming about being a professional to becoming a professional."

He added: "I think giving players like this the opportunity to go over and experience the life of a professional footballer. It’s a great way to see where they’re at, what tools they need and if it’s really for them.

“This is something I’m big on; not forgetting where I came from and giving people the sort of opportunity that came a little harder for me but making it a little easier for them.

“And Jack’s a fantastic kid with a good head on his shoulders. If I can affect the life of a footballer or just as a person, then I know I’ve done something good and that’s what this is all about.”


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