Sport
9 February, 2026
Junior soccer player signs up for Brisbane club
CAIRNS soccer player Luca Franco, 15, has officially signed with Brisbane Lions FC for the 2026 season, marking a major milestone for the young footballer and for The Futbol Academy’s emerging Total Performance pathway program.
Brisbane Lions FC are one of Queensland’s leading National Premier Leagues clubs and competes in the NPL Queensland competition, with a strong focus on junior-to-senior development pathways.
Crios O’Hare, co-owner of The Futbol Academy, said the signing reflected years of commitment and effort from the player.
“We’re very proud of Luca and getting signed by probably one of the best clubs in the state is fantastic for him,” he said.
“It’s a credit to him and the hard work he’s put in over the years.”
Mr Franco becomes the first graduate of The Futbol Academy to progress through its newly established pathway structure, which aligns with partnerships alongside Ipswich Grammar School and Lions FC.
The academy said the signing validates the structure and standards being put in place to provide clear opportunities for players aiming to progress in the game.
Mr O’Hare said the pathway model was designed to support long-term development and create professional opportunities for academy players.
“As an academy, we’ve been working very hard to give opportunities to our players and help them further themselves in the game, and this is just the first of what we hope will be many,” he said.
Brisbane Lions FC is recognised for its professional standards, technical identity, and long-term athlete development model, with players regularly progressing into higher-level competitions and national pathways.
Mr Franco is expected to continue his development within Brisbane Lions FC’s high-performance environment as he prepares for the 2026 season, while The Futbol Academy continues to expand its pathway program.
For more visit www.bit.ly/4t5fGUg.
