Luke Rooney: If it doesn’t go the right way, your journey isn’t over, as I know only too well myself

LUKE ROONEY knows all about the professional and non-league game during his career.

 

The 30-year-old midfielder says he has a fantastic opportunity for aspiring footballers who have been rejected by professional football clubs here in Kent and London.

Bermondsey born Rooney began his footballing career with Gillingham and scored six goals in 53 League appearances for the Priestfield Stadium outfit.

He was sent out on loan at non-league sides Lewes and Eastbourne Borough to gain experience of men’s football before signing for Swindon Town in 2012 and made 31 League appearances for the Wiltshire-based club.

Three loan spells followed at Burton Albion, Rotherham United and Crawley Town before he signed for Maidstone United in 2014.

Rooney then played for Luton Town, Ebbsfleet United and Crawley Town before moving to America to play for Phoenix Rising in 2016.

He moved back to England and turned out for Billericay Town and National League South side Welling United before signing for Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division sides Beckenham Town (on loan) and finished the curtailed 2020-21 campaign at Chatham Town.

During periods of unattachment, he turned out for his beloved Stansfeld in the tenth-tier of English football where his family are heavily involved with the amateur club.

With such extensive experience of football at all levels, Rooney is offering opportunities for youngsters who don’t make the grade.

“It’s a tough time of the year to be a young aspiring footballer at a pro club, whether it’s decision time on your scholarship or your pro contract,” said Rooney.

“The scholarship decision in particular plays on my heartstrings.  If it doesn’t go the right way, your journey isn’t over, as I know only too well myself.

“If there are any 15-19 year olds out there – or if anybody knows any in the London or Kent area – please contact me on Twitter.

“I may have a fantastic opportunity for you to prove some people wrong, the same way I did.”

Rooney’s twitter handle is @luke_rooney