Given the year Amber Luchtmeijer has had, one could expect her jersey number of choice to be 24, the season she is about to debut in the A-Leagues for reigning champions, Sydney FC. However, instead she’s opted for 18 to introduce herself to the country’s top football league, the age she will be turning in her first season with her new club.
The National Premier Leagues NSW Golden Boot winner finished 2024 on an impressive 23 goals, received her first A-Leagues contract, was called up to the youth national team for the first time, and is currently completing her HSC.
Of those achievements, Luchtmeijer singles out the call up to the Young Matildas squad and representing Australia at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, in front of 33,000 fans, as the 2024 highlight.
“It was a big surprise when I saw the message come through late at night. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was only one of two players who hadn’t played professionally before the tournament and the only player who hadn’t been on international camp. It ended up being the best month of my life.
“Running onto the field with the host nation, Colombia, the crowd went wild … I got goosebumps … we couldn’t hear our trainer’s instructions,” she recalls.
Signing on with the Sky Blues this season from NPL NSW side, Bulls Academy FC, Luchtmeijer is eager to continue the goal scoring spree for her new team and says her number one driving force is playing in front of fans.
“I’ve always just wanted to take football to the next level, I want to keep improving myself as a player. What I’m looking forward to most is playing in front of a fan base. I have some celebrations up my sleeve. Maybe send some hearts out to the crowd.”
Understandably, Luchtmeijer is feeling some nervousness in her final week of preseason, but states they are good nerves which will drive her to be ready and raring to go for her first match with her new club on Saturday, against Central Coast Mariners.
“There are definitely some nerves … it (The A-Leagues) is another level. Stepping up to that status is daunting … but I’m also really excited to get started.”
Luchtmeijer has high praise for her new coach, Ante Juric, who has an impressive CV, winning three Championships and three Premierships with the club since his reign began in 2017. Juric is a contrast to the coach the forward had this year at the Bulls, Renato Jelen, and Luchtmeijer discussed how she has adapted to the new style.
“Honestly, Ante has been so easy to adapt to for me, he’s a fantastic coach. He keeps us motivated with little speeches before training. His persona is light hearted … I’ve already improved so much.”
Luchtmeijer proudly declares that football has always been her sport of choice and dreamt of playing professionally from a young age.
“I started playing football at five and it has always been the goal for me to play at the highest level. I played AFL at school, but football was my dream.
“I placed notes around the house when I was five, with disgusting handwriting, ‘I want to be a professional soccer player’, I butchered the spelling too.
“I watched a lot of Socceroos’ matches and looked up to Tim Cahill. I have a signed copy of his book. I watched Lisa De Vanna during the Olympics and as a goal scorer, it was her I wanted to be like for the females.”
When asked if she had any advice for youngsters who will no doubt have their eyes fixed on the new talent for their Sky Blues’ side, Luchtmeijer says:
“The most important thing is to be patient, I’ve always struggled with giving myself time to improve. Becoming something takes time. You’re not going to be the best person at the job on your first day.
“Record the little things. Everytime I scored for the Bulls, I’d keep a tally and had that little piece of paper behind my door, so I could physically see the progress I was making.”
Luchtmeijer goes on to state how her journey to play at the top level endured hardships and wasn’t an easy road.
“Last year I didn’t even make the state side for the Football NSW National Training Centre Tournament. I tried out for the metro team, was accepted as a shadow player but missed out on a spot in the tournament. I then got chosen for the Under-20 Matildas team this year.”
“It has been a year of learning. If you told me this would happen this time last year, I would have thought you were actually lying.
“I kept having fun and the Golden Boot achievement (in NPL NSW) just happened … I didn’t even know I was in the running for the award.”
Only three years ago, playing for Blacktown Spartans and notching up 99 goals in two and a half seasons, with the second half of one of those seasons cut short by Covid, Luchtmeijer expresses her disappointment in not hitting the hundred figure.
“We played in the grand final and I hit the post. I was so close to that 100th goal.”
On top of reaching the heights she has in football this year, Luchtmeijer is also currently sitting her HSC. When questioned how she kept a balance and completed both demanding tasks, the youngster replied, “Honestly, it’s been a little bit tough. It would make me tired. I would get home straight from school and go straight to training, it was a lot to balance.
“The football wasn’t too hard as it’s my outlet. I gave myself goals, like memorising 300 words before training. Sydney FC has been really supportive with my training and HSC commitments.
“I also have the best friends on the planet, we have the best fun at school, but they understand I can’t go out every weekend.”
Luchtmeijer knows her way to goal 💫
How about this cheeky chip last weekend 😍🍟 pic.twitter.com/EMct8CmfmH
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) July 12, 2024
When asked about life after football, Luchtmeijer expresses that she will take a gap year, but paramedic is at the top of her list of careers and “marketing and media is what I like, in the sports media space.”
When queried on which team and player match up she is looking forward to most this season, Luchtmeijer beams, “The Sydney Derby has always been a dream. Sydney FC has the best women’s fans.
“I’m looking forward to meeting Canberra United and playing against Michelle Heyman … she’s had a great career, I’m excited to be playing against her.”
When quizzed on what Sky Blues’ fans can expect from Amber Luchtmeijer in her debut season for the reigning champions, she says, “As mentioned before, I have a couple of celebrations up my sleeve which will hopefully see the light of day. When I put that sky blue jersey on, I’ll play for the fans. Having a fan base to work for will be a motivation and make me play better … it gives me something to work for.”
Luchtmeijer will be hoping to make her Sydney FC debut when the Sky Blues take on Central Coast Mariners this Saturday, 2nd November at Central Coast Stadium in their first match of the 2024/2025 season.
