Soccer: Young star taking on the world

At 15, for Waitakere United, Luke Adams was one of the youngest players to appear in the country's premier club competition. Photo / Richard Robinson

Soccer is giving Luke Adams the chance to see the world.

Australian-born of English parents and one of the youngest players to appear in New Zealand's premier club competition, Adams is set to further his soccer education when he leads the Young All Whites at Fifa's mid-year Under-17 World Cup in Mexico.

His early days were spent in Melbourne and then England before arriving here as a 5-year-old. A little later he first kicked a soccer ball. He has barely stopped since.

After playing at nearby Fencibles United, Adams had brief stints at Clendon and Papakura before joining Waitakere City and then Waitakere United. It's still a long haul from his Howick home but after coercing his parents into taxi duty he now has a learner licence which frees them of the sometimes onerous task.

"From the start I just loved it [soccer]. There was never any pressure," says Adams, 16, who started out as a striker before moving to midfield and settling into central defence. "I feel more comfortable at the back."

His talents have not gone unnoticed. He had two spells at Birmingham City last year, including a stint in their under-18 side for a three-match tour of Slovakia.

Asked why he opted for the long trip west rather than a club closer to home, Adams says simply "good coaching, good club". It was through his association with Chris Turner, as coach at Clendon and Papakura, that he finished up at Fred Taylor Park and in touch with Darren Bazeley which, in turn, led to the Birmingham experience.

Under a variety of coaches - at club, school (in the Auckland Grammar 1st XI under Simon Eaddy and Stu Robinson) and internationally - Adams says he has learned plenty and had no problem in adjusting to the different styles and philosophies.

Neil Emblen, his coach at Waitakere, continues to be impressed with what Adams brings to the game.

"He brings composure beyond his years in that [back four] position," says Emblen. "His build suits that central role. He is good in the air and his decision-making is top class. He always looks like he has plenty of time on the ball and, as a bonus, the captaincy sits well with him."

Emblen raised a few eyebrows when he promoted Adams into the United side in the last New Zealand Football Championship season as a 15-year-old.

"We took him to Hawkes Bay as a sub, but within 10 minutes Jason Rowley went off injured and he had to play 80 minutes. He was outstanding and came on the following week at home against Waikato while still just 15."

Adams has yet to play in the ASB Premiership but may well get some time at home tomorrow "depending on how the game against YoungHeart Manawatu goes".

With other youngsters Tim Payne, Jordan vale, Ryan Howlett and Rory Turner, Adams was a member of the Waitakere Youth team who won the ASB Youth League and went on to play in Steve Cain's national under-17 team. Although Cain has yet to name his team for Mexico, Adams is certain to be included. He is champing at the bit to get the chance to prove Cain's prediction that his 2011 team is capable of going further than the 2009 squad.

"I saw the last team play," says Adams. "They were a very good team, but it is not like we can't do as well."

Adams has very finite goals and it is not hard to sense a sixth form year at AGS is not necessarily high on that list.

"I want to be a pro footballer," he says this week before playing for Wellington Phoenix A against Auckland City.

"I have always wanted to play for New Zealand. I have done that and I just want to go on from there."