Auckland FC teen Luka Vicelich shows off A-League title at St Peter’s College
A-League winner Luka Vicelich has returned to school with a new souvenir to show his classmates.
The 18-year-old was part of the Auckland FC squad who triumphed over Sydney FC in the A-League grand final near the end of May at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart in Penrose.
Vicelich has since been seen celebrating with his teammates and wearing the trophy around his neck on a boat, but is now back in the classroom.
In a social media post, St Peter’s College Auckland showed Vicelich holding the trophy aloft in front of the school.
“Luka Vicelich 13RIC with the A League trophy he won this year with Auckland FC,” the post read.
It said Vicelich was hoping to be back with the college’s First XI soon, “subject to being selected”.
The comments congratulated the youngster, with one calling the trophy the “Best ‘Show and Tell’ ever”.
Headmaster James Bentley told the Herald the school community was “extremely proud of Luka and all he has achieved”.
“As a schoolboy, to be part of such an impressive club such as Auckland FC is unprecedented. Luka’s ability to balance his football with his NCEA studies has been inspiring to all the boys in our College.”
Vicelich became Auckland FC’s youngest-ever professional when he signed his first contract with the club in January, having progressed through their talent development pathway.
He played five times for the Black Knights last season, only making one start.
Vicelich and Van Fitzharris, who is about four months older than his teammate, were both substituted on at the end of Auckland FC’s dominant victory over Adelaide United in the the second leg of their semi-final.
Neither teenager entered the field of play during the grand final.
But they both had a front-row seat to watch Auckland FC become the first team from New Zealand to win the A-League.
More than 28,000 fans filled Go Media Stadium to watch Cam Howieson score the decisive goal just before the hour mark to give Auckland FC a 1-0 victory.
The side managed this feat 800 days after they were officially launched and went one step further than their first season, when they lifted the Premiers Plate.