Luke Bennett

There are few better ways to announce yourself to your new teammates than laying on the pass that splits the opposition defence wide open to allow your forward to run clear and score the goal that wraps up a valuable 2-0 away win.

That’s what Luke Bennett did on his AFC Totton debut, after coming on as a second-half sub for the injured Leon Maloney at Beaconsfield Town.

Having been with AFC Bournemouth for four years since the age of 12, Luke became a teammate of Ethan Taylor’s at Team Solent. At 17, he moved to Tennessee, USA on a three-and-a-half-year scholarship. While back in the UK in 2021, he trained with Weymouth, before returning to the United States to complete his final semester. While he was away, The Terras underwent a change of management and upon his return to the Bob Lucas Stadium, Luke found his first team opportunities limited.

In February of this year, the midfielder was given the chance to play professional football in Australia for Devonport City Strikers FC, a National Premier Leagues club based in Tasmania.

Devonport claimed the State Championship for the 10th time in the club’s history, the Milan Lakoseljac Cup (the League Cup), the Under-21s Statewide Cup and a Super Cup. Upon the expiration of his contract with Devonport, Luke returned to the UK.

Luke usually plays in central midfield but he has also performed well at right-back for The Stags.

Luke Bennett is sponsored by ITS Construction