For Churchie Old Boy Lucas Herrington (2025), the rise to international football has certainly been rapid. Less than 12 months ago, Lucas was juggling his Year 12 studies at Churchie and was Captain of the Churchie First XI Football team, all whilst playing A-League football for the Brisbane Roar. Following 29 appearances for the club, he departed in January 2026 to take up a contract playing for Colorado Rapids Soccer Club in the MLS (Major League Soccer) competition in the United States of America.

His transition and impact in the MLS competition was immediate. On debut Lucas played all 90 minutes and set a competition record for the most successful passes by a teenager on debut. A week later, he scored his first MLS goal and kept his first clean sheet. These performances caught the attention of Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, who called Lucas into the squad for Australia's final home matches before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On 27 March 2026, Lucas became Socceroo #658 (Churchie’s third Socceroo) when he debuted in Australia’s 1-0 FIFA Series win over Cameroon, with an outstanding Man of the Match performance. In doing so, he became the youngest Australian starting defender in 45 years.

On Friday 26 June, starting at left centre-back for the Socceroos in their FIFA World Cup pool match against Paraguay, at 18 years and 293 days Lucas became the youngest Australian (Churchie’s first) to start in a FIFA World Cup match.

His standout performances in the MLS and in the World Cup have already sparked major international transfer interest.

Congratulations, Lucas.