Aston Villa: Charlie Lutz signs first professional contract

Charlie Lutz, 18, signed a two-year scholarship deal with Villa back in 2021 and has now done enough to secure a full-time professional contract to continue his promising football career.

Lutz, from Northwick in Worcester, was one of four players from the Academy set-up to receive their first professional contracts. 

Proud: Steve Lutz (father, left) with his son Charlie Lutz as he signs his first professional contract with Aston Villa (Image: Steve Lutz)

Lutz, who did his GCSE's at The Bishop Perowne College, has been with Villa since the age of eight and reflected on an "amazing achievement" for both himself and his family. 

"It was a brilliant feeling (to sign the contract). I have been with club since seven which is crazy. When you arrive at a cub at that age, it is every kids dream to go pro but now it’s about what is next for me," he said.

"When I came out of the room having signed the contract, I said ‘I want more,’ but it was a great achievement and a big deal for me and my family.

"They have been so supportive. It’s been hard at times and tough on them but my family have been really supportive. 

"My mum (Shelly) and dad (Steve) and their constant support has helped get me where I am today not only as a football player but as a human too. And i also want to keep making my little sister Amelia proud as well as she loves football too."

But the past two years have not been all plain sailing for the former Bishop Perowne College pupil, who is now hoping to push on and impress the senior coaches.

"After I signed the scholarship, the first year I had a lot of injuries and it was quite tough," he admitted. 

"But second year I managed to stay consistent, stay injury free and kick on. I scored a few goals in U23s and U18s and was getting consistent game time and scoring in the cups so it was about showing my potential and I guess they liked what they saw.

"Signing this contract will mean I will be in and around the U23s and maybe the first team. There could be the opportunity to go out on loan, who knows. But I trust the process at Aston Villa.

"For me, I would love to stay and be in the 23s and maybe get the chance to train with the first team and hopefully impress them and show them what I have got."