Lukas Kelly-Heald goes from selling popcorn to playing for the Nix
It wasn’t that long ago Lukas Kelly-Heald was working at the movies – selling popcorn, taking tickets and cleaning up aisles.
Now he’s in a different sort of entertainment business, living out his boyhood dream playing professional football for A-League Men leaders Wellington Phoenix.
After signing the longest contract in club history, the towering teenager has become an ever present figure in the Phoenix defence.
Making his debut season even more special, Kelly-Heald has been able to share the journey with his twin brother Alby, who is also a member of the Phoenix squad.
You are one of five players across the Phoenix men’s and women’s teams with a twin sibling. What makes twins better footballers?
I wouldn’t say anything directly but it’s nice to have someone to train and play with. Having a constant training partner is a good benefit of being a twin.
You are a defender so how did Alby end up becoming a goalkeeper?
Growing up, somebody’s got to go in goal and he drew the short straw and I got to shoot against him. He ended up becoming quite good at it.
How have you found your first season with the Phoenix?
I’ve definitely played more than I was expecting. I just take every game as it comes, it just so happens that there’s been injuries and stuff which means I’ve had to play, but I’m enjoying it.
We have seen you play both left back and centre back throughout your young career. Do you have a preferred position?
I don’t have any preference at the moment. I’m pretty comfortable wherever, just as long as I’m playing I’m not too fussed where that is on the pitch.
The last left back to come out of the Island Bay and play for the
Phoenix was Liberato Cacace, who is now playing in Serie A. Is he someone you looked up to?
We’ve had a somewhat similar start to our careers. He went to the same school as me as well. We grew up in the same area and played for the same junior club. Hopefully our careers go on the same trajectory and I can become as big as he’s become.
Who is the toughest teammate to mark in training?
Oskar Zawada is probably the obvious answer. He’s always tough to defend against. He’s got such a big frame and he knows how to use it well. He’s very good technically.
Your mum owns the popular Wellington cafe Maranui. Is that your go-to for prematch brunch?
Not quite pre-match but if we have a day off or something I might go in and get a drink and some food. It’s a nice place to relax.
What did you do for a job before you signed with the Phoenix?
I worked at the Empire cinema in Island Bay for about a year prior to this – selling popcorn, tickets, ice cream and cleaning the cinema. It was a really good job you get free tickets so I’d always go along and watch some movies, and then I’ve just worked at my mum and dad’s cafe on and off for a few years, just helping.
What is your favourite film?
I just saw Fight Club for the first time a few weeks ago and that’s definitely up there. The twist at the end caught me off guard.
What was the first thing you bought when you became a professional footballer?
I don’t splurge on anything but one of the first things I bought was a bigger bed. I’ve been using a single bed for a while and it was a bit cramped so it’s nice to finally upgrade.
Who do you sit next to on away trips to Australia?
It seems to change every week.
I try as often as possible to be in the emergency exit row because there’s a bit more leg room, so if I can get that then great, if not it’s usually random.
Which football club did you support growing up?
I’ve always supported the Phoenix because I’m from here. Man United I support in the Premier League but definitely the Phoenix.
What about Alby?
He’s Arsenal. My dad supports Man United too and Alby just wanted to support anyone but.
“I don’t splurge on anything but one of the first things I bought was a bigger bed. I’ve been using a single bed for a while and it was a bit cramped...” Lukas Kelly-Heald, right