Woodham Academy year 11 student Lucas Pilling was recently included in a competitive first team fixture for Hartlepool United against Shildon AFC in the semi-final of the Durham Challenge Cup.
Not only was he selected to take part in the 1st team game, he is also a weekly member of the U18 squad who play on a Saturday against sides from around the country against Notts County, Carlisle United and Scunthorpe.
Lucas is a very talented footballer who has been at Hartlepool United from a very young age.
During his time at Woodham Academy he has represented Bishop Auckland Schools District Football Association and Durham County Schools.
In addition to his prowess on the football field, Lucas has represented Woodham Academy in a range of other sports including athletics, leadership and cricket, where he featured for Durham County Cricket in their county cricket programme.
His phenomenal service to sports at Woodham was recognised when he was nominated for the ‘Key Stage 4 Performer of the Year’ at the Sports Academy presentation last summer.
A true all-rounder, Lucas has managed to combine his sporting achievements with continued academic success in all subjects and it is a testament to his positive attitude and commitment across the Academy that he is on track to attain consistently excellent GCSE results this summer.
Lucas follows a rich tradition of players from Woodham Academy who have gone on to play football at the highest level, following in the footsteps of Jason Steele, Ross Turnbull, Darren Craddock, Chris Mason, Lewis Wing and Joshua Bayne.
“Everyone at Woodham Academy would like to wish Lucas the greatest luck, as he finds out shortly if he has earned the right to play football professionally,” said the school.