SA teenager Lochlan Czapla makes mark at Scottish Professional Football League club St Mirren

A South Australia teenage sensation has been playing soccer for a famed Scottish Professional Football League club after being scouted from his local outfit.

A teenage soccer star out of South Australia has been making his mark at a Scottish Professional Football League club in 2021 after being scouted from his local club.

18-year-old winger Lochlan Czapla jetted off to Scotland in May to pursue a career with St Mirren FC after dominating for the Para Hills Knights in the SA National Premier League.

The former Salisbury East High School student was only 17 when he was recruited by the club which had formed a partnership with Para Hills and departed just after his 18th birthday.

While originally daunted by the drastic change, Czapla quickly settled into his new surroundings and featured heavily in the reserves cup – his side unfortunately bowing out to Dundee United.

Czapla proudly dons his new club's home strip after arriving in Scotland. Picture: Supplied

“It’s been amazing so far,” Czapla said of the experience.

“I’ve loved every bit of it. Settling in ultimately didn’t take too long – all the boys at the club are perfect and have been great for me so it’s been fantastic.

“We haven’t played as much as we would like due to Covid setbacks but the experience in the cup was especially valuable.”

Czapla was originally a midfielder for Para Hills but has since been developed into a winger at St Mirren.

He said adapting to the quality of professional football in Scotland as well as adjusting to a new position had presented various challenges.

Lochlan Czapla representing SA against Victoria. He made a name for himself as a midfielder at state and club level but has since developed as a winger. Picture: Supplied

“Quality wise it was such a big step but the club has been very supportive and the morale is high. I’m continuing to adjust each session,” Czapla said.

“The wing has been enjoyable. I’ve been working on my touch and getting better at that position, which has been a process I’ve embraced.”

While Czapla has been impressing at his new club, ongoing Covid cases in Scotland have resulted in less matches and training sessions than expected.

Czapla at St Mirren’s stadium. The young gun is hoping to take to the world class pitch more often in the new year. Picture: Supplied

The star prospect said he was hoping to experience more matches in the new year and eventually receive first team time.

“We’re holding out for some regular fixtures in January so hopefully that pans out,” Czapla said.

“I just need to continue to work hard and take my opportunities with every bit of match experience I get.

“It’s been an amazing opportunity so far and now that I’ve settled in and adjusted I just have to buckle down and progress.”

St Mirren’s reserves currently sit fifth on the reserves league table, while the first team is seventh.