DME Academy, Sarasota is proud to announce that standout 2010 student AND athlete Lucas Turasz is headed to Portugal for an official trial with Sporting Lisbon this April, one of the most respected academies in world football and the club where global icon Cristiano Ronaldo began his journey.

Sporting Lisbon has long been recognized as one of Europe’s premier talent developers, producing elite professionals who have gone on to star in top leagues around the world. For Lucas, this opportunity represents another major milestone in DME Academy, Sarasota’s growing track record of connecting committed student-athletes with real pathways to the professional game.

“DME has always had my back, I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to show everyone what I can do.” Lucas Turasz 

The trial comes on the heels of continued momentum within the DME environment, where players are challenged daily through high-level training, competitive matches, and a culture built around professionalism and long-term development. In fact, in the last two months alone, in partnership with RDA and Foot Draft, we have now placed two boys from Sarasota in top division clubs in Portugal.

“Lucas has earned this opportunity through consistent performances, work ethic, and a willingness to embrace the process. He left traditional schooling this year, joined our academy in Sarasota full-time and prioritized his development. We will continue to push him until his trial takes place, as now is not the time to rest. He and his family are close, personal friends who have been loyal to DME despite offers from most local competitors and their false promises. No one will outwork our staff, care more and support each athlete’s journey more than us. That is our promise to players at DME on both sides of the ball,” said DME Co-Owner & GM Jared Antista.

“This is exactly why we do what we do,” said 2010 Head Coach John Taylor. “Our mission is to provide real opportunities for players who are willing to commit to their development and put faith in a club that does good by the player. Sporting Lisbon is one of the best academies in the world, and for Lucas to step into that environment is a testament to his quality and his character and the work we all put in to support his and our players growth.”

DME Academy,Sarasota continues to build meaningful relationships across the global game, ensuring players are seen in the right environments by the right people. These opportunities are not by chance, they are the result of trust, collaboration, and a commitment to putting players first. Stay tuned for our South America combines coming up this summer and pathways to the game in Brazil, Argentina and beyond.

“Watching my son, Lucas, grow under a truly exceptional coaching staff at DME Academy fills me with pride beyond words, because, I know that Lucas is not just learning the beautiful game, he’s learning discipline, character, and resilience. As a parent, there’s no greater comfort than trusting Jared, and Coach JT, who are shaping Lucas’ passion and also shaping the man he’s becoming.” Nico Turasz, Proud Father

Everyone at DME Academy Sarasota wishes Lucas the best as he travels to Portugal to represent the club, his teammates, and his family on one of the biggest stages in youth development. Real scouts. Real opportunities. Real pathways.