Matty Lusty – Larne F.C. Professional Contract

Former Grosvenor pupil Matty Lusty, pictured with Larne F.C. first team manager Tiernan Lynch, signs his first professional contract with the club.

Congratulations to former Grosvenor pupil Matty Lusty, who was recently awarded his first professional contract with Larne Football Club.

Matty, who departed Grosvenor after Year 12, last August, to pursue his footballing ambitions, is the first member of Larne’s Academy Scholarship Programme to have been awarded a professional contract, having caught the eye of the first team coaching staff since enrolling on the first year of the Inver Park Scholarship programme last year.

The Club’s Academy Director, Gary Haveron, praised Matty’s attitude and ability, having put pen to paper with the club: “Matty has taken every opportunity presented to him… It’s been a frustrating time for all the academy players, but when we did get opportunities to play matches, Matty always looked a threat with his high work rate, willingness to run in behind defenders and prolific strike rate in front of goal.

Matty’s success at club level came after contributing hugely to football in Grosvenor over the previous few years - representing its Under 16 team that reached the final of the 2019/20 Belfast Cup, which was due to be contested on St. Patrick’s Day, only to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition, Matty represented Northern Ireland Under 16s when he was in Year 11, while he also played for Ridgeway Rovers and Glentoran, at club level, prior to his move to Larne.

Very well done to Matty on such an impressive achievement – we will look, with anticipation, for news of his progress on the back pages of the local press over the seasons to come.