MUFC Player of the Week Q & A: Lucas van Tulden
By Chris Curulli
Every week Manly United catch up with one player who wins their respective Man of the Match award to learn a little bit more about them.
Lucas van Tulden plays for Manly United’s U15 Boy’s Youth League side and was awarded the Bing Lee Player of the Match award following their 1-0 win over Wollongong Wolves on Saturday.
How did Saturday’s game go?
Saturday’s game went very well for us. Wollongong are a very good side in our age group and have done very well this year. We expected it to be our hardest game of the season and we followed our game plan very well, playing very good football, worked as a team, resulting in a 1-0 win.
Last weekend’s game went well for me because ever since I came back from injury I have been working really hard, putting in the extra hours to get my touches and passes back to standard and working extra hard at training. The coach gave me extra tips and support, put his confidence in me. The team has supported me as well. This helped me as I came back from a long, 4-month injury. I had a rough start when I came back but I’m still going to continue this work. I didn’t think about the MOTM award but multiple players came up to me after the game and said that I deserved it which was really nice to hear.
How long have you been playing for Manly United?
This is my first season at Manly United.
Which clubs did you previously play for?
U14’s I played for the North Shore Mariners. U13’s I played for Gladesville Ryde Magic in NPL2
What position do you play? Have you always played there?
I play centre back. I used to play midfield in U12’s and below, but once I started U13’s I got put at centre back and I’ve been playing there ever since.
What is your favourite part about playing football?
The joy I get from playing. Every time I play football or think about it, it gives me the greatest feeling. Especially on game days, that hypes me up like no other.
Which clubs do you support?
AFC Ajax and the Dutch national team
Do you have a favourite player?
Virgil van Dijk
Do you have a football memory that stands out as your favourite?
Watching the 2010 world cup with my dad and seeing the Netherlands beat Spain 5-1. Another memory is Ajax’s champions league run in the 2018/2019 season. Getting up in the early hours of the morning to watch these football games with my dad was the best.
What do you like to do outside of football?
Outside of football I’m very social and enjoy hanging out with friends.
What are your goals moving forward (for the rest of the season and beyond)?
Next season I am hoping to be playing at Manly United again and it is my goal to excel in the U16’s. I will train very hard and hopefully that will lead to getting some game time in the U18’s as well.
