Get Pleiades to the Steven Gerrard Academy 2026

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19-year-old Australian footballer dreams of being pro, offered a place at Steven Gerrard Academy UK. Help him get there. Every $2+ donation is tax deductible.

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My name is Pleiades. I have wanted to play professional football since I was six years old.Growing up in a small town, I played locally for 4 years, often playing 3 games a weekend and playing up. The opportunities for a challenge were never just there. I trialed and played for the Liverpool Academy for 2 years and for Gold Coast Knights for 2 years. This meant traveling at least 2 hrs, 3 nights a week to training and often much further for games for years. My parents drove me everywhere; through COVID lockdowns sitting at border crossings, through injuries to get treatments, to get assessed, early mornings and late nights. Eating dinner in the car. They never stopped showing up. Did I mention I played Futsal too? That was in the off season, training, games and competitions. The better the level of play, the further we had to travel. More driving, more costs. In 2023 I went to Germany to play and was told to come back when I was 18.In 2025 I went to trial at 3 places in the UK. I was offered a place in all 3. I chose Tranmere Rovers.In 2026 I traveled to the UK for six months to train and play with them. From there I was seen and invited to train and play with the Steven Gerrard Academy, culminating in a showcase at MK Dons Stadium. After the game I stood in the accommodation and looked out over the pitch. Immaculate. Floodlit. That feeling told me everything. This is real. This is possible. I can make it. I have been offered a place at the Steven Gerrard Academy for a full six month professional development program beginning August 30. A USA college scout has also shown interest. Two serious pathways. Both earned. What the Steven Gerrard Academy says about me:&quot;At the Steven Gerrard Academy, we provide Pleiades with a professional training environment built to develop technical ability, tactical understanding, and physical performance. Our coaches work closely with him to create a clear development pathway, maximising his potential on and off the pitch. Through high-level coaching, competitive match opportunities, and ongoing support, we believe Pleiades has what it takes to achieve his goal of becoming a professional footballer.&quot; Craig Davis, Steven Gerrard Academy What I am raising funds for:The total cost of returning to the UK for six months is $55,000 AUD. Every dollar goes directly toward making this happen. <ul><li>Training and accommodation: $33,912</li><li>Flights Australia to UK and return: $6,000</li><li>Health care: $2,924</li><li>Visa application: $641</li><li>Living costs and visa savings requirement: $9,853</li><li>Campaign costs and buffer: $1,670</li></ul> What a professional contract means to me:It means freedom. It means getting to do something I am good at, that&#39;s fun and brings people joy. Look at the World Cup! It means helping my family after everything they have given. It means playing in big stadiums in front of crowds. It means proving that a kid from a small Australian town can make it.I find asking for help uncomfortable. But I know what my family has sacrificed. And I know there are other kids out there in the same position I was in, talented, hungry, just needing a chance. Every donation of $2 or more is tax deductible.If you believe in the dream, I would love your support. Pleiades