From Sydney to Vukovar, Lucas Tole showed that it’s entirely possible achieve your football dreams of not only playing overseas, but playing in your country of heritage.
At the young age of 15, Lucas Tole made the move by himself and elevated his football career to a new level.
With the support of his family behind him, Lucas began his journey in Croatian Football in 2022, and has been there ever since whilst receiving new opportunities across various clubs in Croatia.
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to speak to Lucas Tole and hear firsthand about his experiences to not only educate ourselves, but to show our pride and support for him as fellow Croatians.
Next time you are in Vukovar, be sure to go and support HNK Vukovar as fellow Australian-Croatians.
Tell us about your football history, where you started to where you are now:
I began playing football at the age of 5 for my local club Kellyville Kolts, I moved to SAP football Under 9s to Under 12s at Blacktown City, where I then got the opportunity to play youth NPL at Mount Druitt Town Rangers for 2 years, before moving to Sydney United where I played for 2 years before going overseas.
I came to Croatia in 2022, where I have had the opportunity to play at NK Sesvete, NK Kustošija and HRNK Zmaj Makarska over the last 3 years.
At the beginning of this year I transferred to HNK Vukovar 1991 where I’ve been now for the past 5 months.
On the pitch, I either play right back or midfield consistently across all of these clubs, but I just enjoy being on the field no matter what position.
What made you move from Sydney to Makarska for football? How did this opportunity arise?
It’s something I have always wanted to try from a young age.
I had aspirations to become a professional footballer and believed that the opportunity was a lot bigger in Europe than at home in Australia.
While on holiday with my family, I had the opportunity to trial at NK Sesvete, where I was asked to stay. I never ended up coming home from that trip, I’ve been here ever since.
What’s the biggest difference between soccer in Australia and Croatia?
Training – We train every day whereas in Australia I only ever trained 3 times a week.
Analysing games from a young age, we go through the games with our team and outline where we can improve both as a team and individually, something Lucas Tole has emphasised during his journey.
The increased opportunities from being close to big footballing countries.
Having the ability to play against well known teams and play in tournaments.
A lot more eyes on the game due to being in and around such historic footballing nations.
Who inspires your playing style – out of both local and international players?
Theo Hernandez – he’s a full back who is quick, agile and has great ball control.
Dario Simic – a good mentor and has given me guidance, as well as a good insight to life as a professional footballer.
What’s been your proudest on-field moment so far in Croatia?
Being part of a winning team, that is currently at the top of the table.
What do you miss most about home in Australia?
Being around my family and friends. Not being able to see my family every day has been the most difficult part of this journey.
Missing out on significant family events and milestones, it gets lonely being on the other side of the world.
What’s your favourite part about living in Makarska?
That I got to learn the language fluently, this is where my family heritage comes from and being able to speak the language like a local has helped me immensely and made my family proud.
The European lifestyle, everyone having time for each other as they live more relaxed lives. No one is ever too busy for a coffee or a meal, even Lucas Tole enjoys this aspect of life here.
Where do you see yourself in five years/what is your dream club to play for?
I hope to be playing football at a professional level. If I got to pick, my dream club to play for would be AC Milan.
Any advice for young players who want to take their game overseas?
Be prepared for a difficult path, being away from family with a lot of alone time so you really need to be mentally prepared for that, although there are also many highs living away from home, learning a new language, taking in the culture, meeting new people and developing your football.