A starlet’s first professional contract

Youth team defender Marley Leuluai has signed his first professional contract with the club, a superb way for him to celebrate his seventeenth today.

New Zealander Leuluai joined the club from Manchester City this summer on a two year scholarship but has impressed in his short time here to win this deal.

He said: “It’s a dream come true to sign my first professional contract. That’s it really, I can’t say much more, it’s a dream. I think it’s been the perfect transition to be honest, joining Burnley’s academy. The style of play we’re trying to play, I’ve been playing that all my life so it’s been a really good transition and I’m loving every minute. It’s been really good so far.

Now a New Zealand under-17 international, he helped them to reach the U17 World Cup last season and is now currently playing for his country in a tournament in Indonesia. Marley, son of former New Zealand rugby league international Kylie Leuluai, added: “I’m so excited, to represent your country in a World Cup is a dream come true as well. I’ve got an exciting few weeks coming up so I can’t wait.”

We wish him the very best with the Clarets.