Week in and week out, Luis Davin trains to be at the top of his game.
The 18-year-old, from Bromborough, Wirral, recalled he has been “kicking a ball as early as I could walk”. The teenager’s first memory of football dates back to when he was just three years old and since then he has been in love. Luis’ dedication has paid off as he heads to America in July for a four-year sports scholarship - which will see him gain a degree at the end.
The footballer told the ECHO: “It’s very satisfying to know my hard work is paying off, things feel as though they are slotting into place. There’s been a lot of hard work, long days and blood and sweat along the way. The scholarship is something I’m seriously excited about and just an opportunity to put in more work and prove myself in a different environment.”
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The athlete’s previous accolades include winning the Eastham League, Divisional Top Cup, the Wallasey League and the Wirral Cup. These days, he plays for the Steven Gerrard Academy at U19 Level.
He said: “It is a fantastic set-up at the academy. It’s a professional environment with brilliant coaches that have supported me throughout. I’ve travelled and played in America and Spain during my time here and loved every minute.
"I’m currently coming up to two years and I wish I could stay on further. The support on and off the pitch is unlike anything I’ve ever had, and I’d recommend this academy to anyone serious about playing football.”
Playing for the academy has been a dream come true for Luis - a die-hard Liverpool FC fan. He explained how he wishes to be as good as the Red’s central defenders one day - much to the pain of his dad, a Tranmere Rovers FC fan.
He said: “Football is what I’ve grown up doing week in and week out. Whether it was matches, training or playing against my brother on the road in front of my house - I don’t think I’ve ever gone further than a few days without kicking a ball. I joined my first team when I was four called Eastham Rangers and loved it straight away, staying with them for 12 years.”
Luis’ was recently announced to be included in the next round of inductees into QTS Group’s Youth Athlete Programme - as the group looks to inspire the next generation of sports stars.
The national rail contractor unveiled five young athletes from across England and Scotland, all of whom will receive funding to help reach their sporting potential. Luis’ said thanks to the financial help of the company he has been able to buy nutritional supplements, a training kit and a gym membership to help him “push on” with his career over the water.
He added: “I love the competitiveness of football and feel the constant need to improve. The sport means pretty much everything to me - I play, train, sleep, and dream about football. I just love the game, with the training and the extra work it requires to improve.
“I’ve had my ups and downs in the sport, but it just brings me more gratitude, especially for people who helped along the way and who supported me on and off the pitch from a young age and helped me become the player I am today.”
Launched in 2014, the Youth Athlete Programme provides annual support to emerging stars who face financial challenges, with the aim being to enable them to fulfil their potential.
Since then, QTS has supported 27 UK sports stars across many disciplines including swimming, kickboxing, and snowboarding. Those chosen to be part of the latest programme, including Luis, were informed earlier this year. The process saw candidates sharing their sporting journey, outlining how the sponsorship money would help them to reach their potential.
Alan McLeish, managing director of QTS Group, said: “The UK has a wealth of untapped talent, particularly in sport, but for many, it’s sadly a case that financial difficulties can hinder what could be sporting greatness.
“That’s why it’s fantastic to launch another year of the programme, helping to give support to future athletes. After running the programme for nine years, this is a cause close to our hearts and one we are proud to continue delivering."
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