Luke Hansen, 14, will head to England on November 4 with the Australian Elite Soccer-Football Academy to find out what it takes to make it big in the game’s toughest market.

The Penrith-Nepean United player will get the chance to show the English what he’s got when the touring squad play against five professional academies including Derby County and Leicester City on the two-week trip.

It’s a dream come true for the football-mad teen, but Luke is realistic about the challenge that awaits.

“I’m so excited. I hope it’s going to be great but the standard is probably going to be so much higher than in Australia. It’ll just be a really good experience,” he said.

The former Springwood United player has made incredible progress in the past year, stepping up to the NSW premier league with Penrith-Nepean as well as putting in extra hours at the International Goalkeepers Academy at Blacktown.

With so much going on the Winmalee High School student admits it can be a bit of a battle finding time for other interests.

Far from cursing the endless commitments, you get the impression too much soccer could never be enough. Time off with recent injuries showed Luke how important the game was to him.

“It is tough (not playing) because football is pretty much my whole life, so when I can’t really do that it gets a bit boring.”

Luke’s mum, Kathy, said her son’s achievements are a credit not only to his natural talent but also his commitment.

“I think when you play sport at this level a lot of it is your skill but a lot of it is your personality, and he’s probably got that driven personality to make it happen,” Kathy said. “We’re very proud of him. On the field and off the field.”

The England tour doesn’t come for free though and the family is busy organising a fund-raiser to cover part of the $6200 price tag.

The family has organised a fund-raiser at Springwood Sports Club on November 1. There will be bowls, sausage sizzle, raffles, chocolate wheel and an auction including sporting memorabilia items.

Tickets are available on the day or in advance to secure your spot for barefoot bowls. For more information contact Kathy on 0425 201-799.