Seb D’Aversa Awarded the Prestigious "Luke Buckingham Player of the Year"

The ECFA coaching staff is proud to announce Sebastian D’Aversa as the recipient of the prestigious "Luke Buckingham Player of the Year" award for this season.

This award, a symbol of excellence and dedication in the sport, is presented in memory of Luke Buckingham, whose legacy continues to inspire young athletes.

Luke Buckingham, a remarkable sportsman and coach, left an indelible mark on AOC Sport. His father, Bob Buckingham, shared heartfelt words about Luke’s legacy:

"It was so humbling to hear that, once again, the Player of the Year Award will be presented in Luke’s memory and to acknowledge his contribution to AOC Sport.

Here are a few words on Luke’s ‘backstory’ many of which I used before - every one of which still holds true to this day…

At the expense of being labelled an ‘embarrassing Dad’, I can say, without fear of contradiction, that Luke was special.

He wasn’t just special because he was our son – of course I’d say that.

He wasn’t just special because of his own sporting achievements that included winning National Team titles in both Football and Cricket.

He wasn’t just special because of the way he battled his diagnosis with leukaemia at just 22 and then fought his way back to play semi-pro football and qualify as a UEFA B goalkeeper and outfield coach and proudly coach the England Colleges ‘keepers for three seasons.

He was special because he believed in young people and their ability to be better, on all levels, than they ever imagined they could be.

This award embodies Luke’s spirit, his legacy and his inherent belief that #betterneverstops."

The "Luke Buckingham Player of the Year" award recognizes a player’s contribution to their team throughout the season, highlighting their hard work, talent, and impact on the game. This year, Seb D’Aversa stood out for his outstanding performance, earning him this esteemed honor.

Seb D’Aversa’s dedication and achievements have made him a deserving recipient of the award, reflecting the high standards set by Luke Buckingham’s legacy. The entire ECFA community celebrates D’Aversa’s success and the continuation of Buckingham’s inspiring spirit in the world of sports.