But to work full-time, hoping to raise enough money to cover a soccer season's worth of living expenses in Barcelona, Spain, where he has a spot waiting for him with U.E. Cornella Football Academy — an F.C. Barcelona associated club.

U.E. Cornella originally gave Luke until August 17 to begin its training program but have since pushed his start date back a month.

"I live in a family of five children and we struggle to afford everyday living expenses — at the moment I'm working five days a week and training in the afternoons six days a week and I've tried to save nearly every cent to go to Spain but I'm still about $15,000 short," Luke said on Thursday.

The Kellyville striker, who this year would have been in year 11, said he was head-hunted by F.C. Barcelona (Australasia) Supporters Club president Dennis Church at a local club game last July. Church arranged for him to trial with U.E. Cornella the next month.

Luke's extended family and friends helped realise that dream.

"The problem is I've since learnt that because this club is only semi-professional they can't afford to pay my way back to Spain and live there," said Luke, who currently plays for The Hills Brumbies' under-16s.

The former Marayong College student is refusing to be defeated, however. "At the moment I'm trying to work out the cheapest accommodation options available to me. One option is splitting one house with five teammates."

Luke got the President's Cup from The Hills Hawks in 2008 and was the Hawks' top scorer from 2007 to 2009. "In 2010 I was the top scorer for Kenthurst [and District Soccer Club]. I made 14 goals in 12 games but missed the grand final because I went over to Barcelona that week. If I raise the funds in time to get back to Spain I'll be under the eyes of Europe's best coaches and scouts which raises my chances of getting a professional contract very highly."

Help Luke realise his dream: maait—united7@hotmail.com.