Luke bags Swansea City Scholarship

Coleraine FC is delighted to congratulate Luke McKendry on the awarding of a two-year scholarship by Swansea FC… 

Luke, who is a product of the club’s very successful Academy, was invited by Swansea FC to attend trials recently and such was his performances that they had no hesitation in offering Luke a Scholarship. After completing his education at Loreto College this summer he will study sports science in conjunction with full time football.

His football career to date has been spent at Coleraine FC, having started off in the Soccer school Academy, before proceeding through the Harry Gregg Foundation small sided games centre and latterly as part of the very successful 2001 NIBFA Squad.

Such has been Luke’s progress he has played on a regular basis the last two seasons for the U20 squad despite being 4-5 years under age.  Luke has also represented Club NI and County Londonderry in the prestigious NI Super Cup.

Colin Mckendry, commenting on the scholarship said, “Joanne and I are delighted and very proud of what Luke has achieved so far. We know how dedicated he is to his football and the hard work has seen him receive it’s just rewards.

“We would like to thank all the coaches in the academy and latterly in the senior part of the club who have helped in his development to this stage.

“It shows the vision the club had for an Academy all those years is starting to pay dividends and I as Club Chairman look forward to make similar announcements over the coming months for other youth players.”

Andy Alcorn, Chairman of the Harry Gregg Foundation also extended his congratulations to Luke and said, “The whole Academy is delighted with Luke’s success and we look forward to watching his career develop in the future.  His age group was the first to progress from soccer school, through the small sided games centre and on into 11-a-side NIBFA League on behalf of the Academy.

“All the hard work from Luke and his coaches over those years has paid off and like Colin has mentioned, we are confident this will become a common story over the incoming years.”

It only remains for all Bannsiders to wish Luke all the best as he embarks on this next step in his football career.