From the school field to the Solomon Islands

Year 10 student Luke Carter has just been named in the squad for the Under 16 Men’s Football Championship - the qualifying tournament for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2026 - which will take place in the Solomon Islands next month.

Luke, who's been playing since he was four, has experience across multiple fields, playing in the U23 and U17 club squads for Western Springs Football Club, as well as Avondale’s First XI, and is a member of Avcol's Sports Academy. His selection to the national Under-16 squad came after his performances caught the attention of NZ U16 coach Martin Bullock. A simple text turned into a life-changing call: “He said he’d been watching me for a while— and that he wanted me to represent New Zealand. I was absolutely stoked! I called my mum straight away.”

Luke will be one of the youngest members on the squad, made up of players based in New Zealand, Australia and England. He'll begin training camp on August 9 before jetting off to the Solomon Islands to face matches against Samoa, New Caledonia and the Solomons.

Luke’s preparations have included vaccinations, malaria tablets, and an ambitious schedule—three gym sessions, three club trainings, and 1–2 individual sessions a week, plus First XI games. On game days, Luke likes to keeps things light: listening to music, cracking jokes in the changing rooms, and chatting with friends. “It’s how I relax—get my mind off the game. The guys help a lot. Our team is very much a brotherhood. We’ve got each other’s backs on and off the field.”

Joining Avondale College’s Sports Academy has given Luke an extra edge. The 5:30 am wake ups have helped him become more disciplined, and Mr Johnston, his former PE teacher and current football coach, helps him to “be strict with myself but also having fun."

Balancing schoolwork with sport isn’t always easy, but Luke’s drive is clear. He looks up to local heroes Ben Wallace and Jackson Manuel—and idolises Virgil van Dijk for “being fearless and a great leader."

With the last Under-16 squad setting a high bar by winning most of their games, Luke is aiming to match their success—and make this tournament one to remember.