Tom Lockyer: From Local Boy to Premier League Captain
We sat down with Tom Lockyer, to find out about his time as a Radyr Ranger and his journey to the Premier League and Wales International.
Tom’s story is one of great personal pride to all of us here at Radyr Rangers.
From Radyr Ranger to the Premier League
Having joined the club as a 7 year old, Tom’s career has gone from strength to strength having played senior football for Bristol Rovers, Charlton Athletic and now Luton Town, where Tom will forever be able to say that he Captained Luton Town in their first ever Premier League match.
Local Boy to National Boy
Tom has also won 16 caps for our national team and was part of the Wales squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. For many of us, we probably never thought we’d see Wales reach a World Cup, so to be part of the squad was a huge achievement and recognition of the player that Tom has become.
Tom Lockyer visits Radyr Primary School after the 2022 World Cup and bumps into a Radyr Ranger
As we contemplate the forthcoming Radyr Rangers Festival 2024, we thought it was a great opportunity to ask Tom about his memories of Radyr, and the advice he would give to the young, budding footballers who grace our pitches today.
“Radyr Rangers was the first real football club I joined when I was about 7 years old,” said Tom.
“I absolutely loved my time at the club, playing football with my friends, I have so many fond memories of my time there. We were fortunate to win a lot, but we did so while having a huge amount of fun, which is massively important.
“Playing for Radyr provided me with the platform for my football career, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine, as I was running around a cold and wet Mound field, that I would go on to play in the Premier league, it’s been a dream come true.
Tom Lockyer at The Mound Field celebrating a victory for Radyr Rangers in the early noughties
“As a young footballer, the best advice I can give you is turn up with a good attitude and have a willingness to learn, as that doesn’t cost you anything. Throughout my career I’ve always listened to my coaches and worked hard to be the best player I could be, as there’s no substitute for hard work.
“I hope everyone taking part has a great day, with some good football being played along the way. Thank you so much for asking me to share some of my memories of my time at Radyr Rangers, it really is a reminder of where my football journey started all those years ago.”
Radyr Rangers Festival 2024
Find out more about Radyr Rangers Festival 2024 and how you can get involved in this special day.