Luke Bennett Signs New AFC Totton Deal

AFC Totton are delighted to announce that Luke Bennett has signed a new deal with the club, extending his stay with the Stags.

Bennett first joined AFC Totton on 23 November 2023 and made an immediate impact just two days later, making his debut away to Beaconsfield Town in the Southern League Premier Division South.

There are few better ways to introduce yourself to your new teammates than by producing a moment of quality that helps secure three points. After coming on as a second-half substitute for the injured Leon Maloney, Bennett delivered a perfectly weighted defence-splitting pass that sent the forward through on goal to wrap up a valuable 2-0 victory.

Bennett’s football journey has taken him across three continents. He spent four years in AFC Bournemouth’s academy after joining at the age of 12 before linking up with Team Solent, where he played alongside former Stag Ethan Taylor.

At 17, he earned a three-and-a-half-year scholarship in Tennessee, USA, combining his education with football. During a return to England in 2021, he trained with Weymouth before heading back to complete his studies. Following another spell with the Terras, first-team opportunities proved limited after a managerial change.

His next opportunity came in Australia, where he joined Devonport City Strikers in Tasmania. During his time with the National Premier Leagues side, the club enjoyed a remarkable campaign, winning the State Championship, the Milan Lakoseljac Cup, the Under-21s Statewide Cup and the Super Cup before Bennett returned to the UK.

Since arriving at the Snows Stadium, Bennett has established himself as a reliable and versatile member of the Stags. The 23-year-old heads into the new campaign after making 17 National League South appearances last season, with his versatility and consistency proving invaluable as he featured across right-back, central midfield and the right wing.

Away from his playing commitments, Bennett is also an integral part of the club off the pitch, serving as AFC Totton’s Alternative Provision (AP) Manager. Working with young people throughout the week, his dual role reflects his commitment to the Stags both on and off the field as he helps to develop and support participants in the club’s Alternative Provision programme while continuing to contribute to the first team.

First Team Manager Scott Rendell said:

“Luke has been a really valuable member of the group since I came in. His versatility gives us great options, his attitude is first class and he’s someone who’s always ready to step in and do a job for the team. We’re pleased to have him with us for another season.”

Director of Football David Wright added:

“Luke is a great example of the culture we’re building at AFC Totton. He’s committed to the club in every sense, contributes on and off the pitch and has shown he can be relied upon whenever he’s called upon. We’re delighted he’s signed a new deal"

Everyone at AFC Totton is delighted to see Luke commit his future to the club and looks forward to seeing him continue to play a key role in the club’s ambitions both on and off the pitch.

Luke is sponsored by ITS BUILDING PEOPLE, IAN WORT AND BRENDA & CHAD ANDREWS!