Inglewood United has farewelled one of its favourite sons in Under-20s captain Lachlan Ryan, who this week departed for the United States.   Ryan, a mainstay of the Under-20s midfield for the past three seasons, heads abroad to study at Peninsula College in Washington, where he’ll continue his football with Peninsula Pirates.

Ryan, understandably, admits to have mixed feelings about leaving his hometown and travelling halfway around the world.   “I’ve had a great time at Inglewood and I do feel sad about leaving the club after three years,” Ryan said.   “But at the same time, I’m excited to be taking the next step in my life.”

“Inglewood has played a major part in my sporting life to date and I’m very grateful for the assistance and guidance that have been provided by the club.   I have been fortunate to be coached for most of my time at Inglewood by Andrija Petrovic, who I feel has brought out the best in my game and in myself as a person.”

“I would like to extend a hearty ‘thankyou’ to club president Ces Colli, the committee and to Andrija for allowing me to be part of Inglewood.   I’d also like to say a massive ‘thankyou’ to my teammates for making every season competitive and enjoyable …. I feel the friendships I’ve made at Inglewood will last a lifetime.”

Ryan signed off as an Inglewood player by finding the back of the net in last weekend’s home draw with Stirling Lions.   While social media and internet communications have lured him to Washington, the 19-year old is equally looking forward to playing for a Pirates side that’s been crowned champions of the Northwest Athletic Conference four times in eight years.

“Completing my IT course at a high level is my priority so to be combining that with playing football internationally on a daily basis really is the icing on the cake,” he said.   “I’m hoping that one day soon I’ll fulfil my goal of being a professional footballer, and when that happens I’ll remember where it all started.”