I recently had a chat with Luke DeGilbert, a 21-year-old semi-pro Welsh footballer who's got autism but hasn't let it hinder his footballing ambitions.
He's a football player for Newport County Community.
Having previously played for his school teams, his love for football is evident. He spoke to me about his love for the game and some of his hopes for the future.
At what age did you start playing football?
Age I started playing football was 8. I started at Eveswell which was my first football club and I did well for them but had to stop due to operations on my leg after I suffered an injury that kept me out for a year. I started playing football again at my school which was Maes Ebbw.
I played in a couple of tournaments and got a best player award in one of them. I went on to Riverside Rovers but I left due to no game time and then I went to Newport Dragons Disability and I did really well for them.
I scored against Cardiff City and it was a proud moment for me. I did well on my time at Newport Disability and got an outstanding achievement award. Later, I got picked for the Newport County Community team which was a step up and I was appointed captain.
I had a charity game last September which I scored a good goal in and I've been scoring loads of goals ever since and helping my team.
How did you feel when you received your award with the team?
Well, I was happy with the award I got and it shows how well I did since I got back with the club. It was a proud moment.
What made you fall in love with Football?
To be honest mate I gotta say the 'wow factor' of football just made me have a passion for it. I just love watching football and playing it and it's great to look up to players like Pele, John Aldridge, Messi and Coutinho.
Watching them play gives you a buzz, like before my games I always get a buzz about it and I really look forward to them so I think that's what made me fall in love with football, because of the passion the game ignites.
What team do you support?
Well, I support Liverpool but my main club is Newport County because they are my home town team. I watch them every home game sometimes away too. I watch Liverpool on TV and in the pub but hopefully I'll go see them at Anfield again. Last time I was at Anfield was in the 2006/07 season when Kuyt scored against Aston Villa.
What's life like as a semi-pro baller?
It is quite intense mate to be honest with you. We do intense shooting and dribbling drills, and we do other stuff like heading, one touch passes and shots. After most training sessions, we have a game which is really good and enjoyable too.
I had a match on the 12th against Walking FC. I bagged a hat-trick and also registered an assist. One of my goals was a cheeky lob.
Does autism ever affect your football?
No it doesn't. To be honest mate it only affects me when I'm extremely tired or stressed but other than that it doesn't really affect me.
What's your dominant foot?
Right.
Do You Play Football Games on Playstation?
Yeah, I enjoy FIFA but I haven't played it much recently as I'm focused on football and training hard.
That's great. You must devote lots of time to football training. Do you have plans to go pro?
A Premier League scout is gonna try watch me play but I haven't heard anything about when he's coming down yet.
What's your favourite moment playing for Newport County Community? As you're the captain what's the hardest thing you've had to do for the team?
My fav moment playing for Newport County Community is in charity game back in September. I felt very welcomed when I signed for the team back in July I think that's my best game so far.
The hardest thing i do is trying to get players on pitch in right positions but I think as captain you got set examples and that's what I do.
How's the dressing room before a game? Banter from the lads?
It's pretty funny. The banter is really good. It's a great team, we love a good laugh and they're really great people to be with. Nice teammates too and everyone enjoys being with each other.
How's the mood right now that Newport is struggling in the league 2?
Umm..disappointing to be honest but I think Newport will stay up with the new signings coming in but me and my team will focus on doing well for our community team and forget about it all. We'll do our best to make it a successful season for the club.
Do you have plans to potentially join Newport County's first team set-up?
Hopefully the manager Graham Westley comes to watch one the games and watches the game which I will be having at Rodney Parade at the end of the season. I'm hoping he will have look at my team and myself too and hopefully, well maybe he gives me and some of the players in the community team a trial.
That would be a huge step-up I'm sure you're capable of performing well for the first-team.
What's the biggest challenge you've faced and had to overcome since you started playing football?
Injuries. They've been a big challenge. I've been out for ages in the past but I fought that and got back playing football. Getting into the Riverside team was also a big challenge, but I left the team eventually.
What are your plans for after your football career?
Yeah, I would love to be a coach. It would be a great experience and challenge. I'm already learning a bit from the guys at Newport Community.
Where do you see Newport county finishing at the end of the season?
County signed Aaron Williams, Jaanai Gordon and the team loaned Sid Nelson from Millwall. Decent players coming in so I see Newport avoiding relegation.
Thanks for making time for the interview mate.
My pleasure.
