Cobh Ramblers are delighted to announce that two of the club’s brightest academy talents, Luka Le Bervet and Lucas Curtin, have signed their first senior team contracts. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the club, coming shortly after the appointment of Richie Holland as Head of Development. It underscores Cobh Ramblers’ renewed commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and providing pathways for young players to succeed.
Luka Le Bervet: Rising Star from Springfield Ramblers – Pictured above on signing for Cobh Ramblers Academy in 2020
Luka began his football journey with local club Springfield Ramblers, where he played from U7 to U14. His early talent was evident, earning him a place in the Cork Schoolboys League squads from U11 to U13. At just 15 years old, Luka joined Cobh Ramblers’ U17 team and quickly became an integral part of the club’s youth system.
In June 2024, Luka made his senior debut in a challenging away game against Bray Wanderers. His impressive performances throughout the season saw him feature in 21 league matches, earning accolades from fans and teammates alike. Luka’s hard work and consistency were rewarded at the end of the season with two major awards:
- Players’ Young Player of the Year
- Fans’ Young Player of the Year
Lucas Curtin: Another Cork Gem Ready to Shine – Pictured above on signing for Cobh Ramblers Academy in 2020
Lucas began his footballing career with Ringmahon Rangers, playing from U7 to U14. He first joined Cobh Ramblers’ U15 team before returning to Ringmahon at the U16 level. It was there he achieved a league and cup double and was honoured as the Cork Schoolboys Player of the Year.
Returning to Cobh Ramblers for the U17s, Lucas continued to excel, earning the U17 Player of the Year award. In 2024, he made a significant impact with the U20 team and capped off the season by making his senior debut on October 19, 2024, against Wexford.
Richie Holland: A New Era of Development at Cobh Ramblers
Recently appointed as Head of Development, Richie Holland’s role is pivotal in aligning Cobh Ramblers’ academy with the FC32 development model, an innovative framework that aims to develop local talent and provide access to a global football network.
“I’m delighted to be here. You can feel the buzz around the community! My focus is on strengthening the academy and supporting Mick and the first team. Luka and Lucas signing their first contracts shows there’s a clear path for young players at this club.”
Michael Mcdermott: “Since my first interactions with the Club, the desire was to promote home-grown talent; I fully believe in that philosophy and know that we have huge potential within our Academy. Richie Holland has been instrumental in the past few weeks in identifying talent and a pathway, while the club ownership has been fully supportive in our decisions. Cobh Ramblers FC and the county of Cork has huge potential; we aim to nurture and develop that and I congratulate Luca and Lucas on this next step in their careers”
A Proud Legacy and a Bright Future
Cobh Ramblers has long been a proving ground for young talent, with several players who once wore the maroon jersey going on to play for clubs in England. This rich history of player development is now set to reach even greater heights under the FC32 ownership, combining local expertise with global opportunities.
The future looks bright for the Ramblers, their academy, and the talented players emerging from St. Colman’s Park.
