Weston’s Luke Coulson Chases History & Family Glory In The FA Cup

31st October 2025

When Weston-super-Mare AFC step out at the Optima Stadium on Saturday, November 1, they’ll be chasing a slice of club history - and a place in the second round of the FA Cup for only the second time.

For Weston-born Luke Coulson the first round clash with Aldershot Town carries an added twist: his father was born in Aldershot.

Luke told Visit Weston. “It’ll be a special day for my family. I was born in Weston but my dad was born in Aldershot and grew up in Weston. He checks the Aldershot results and jokes he doesn’t know whether to wear a Weston or Aldershot shirt.”

Coulson’s football journey has been anything but ordinary. Spotted by Manchester City at the age of seven when Kevin Keegan was manager, he spent a decade in their famous academy before being released at 18 - a decision that could have gone either way.

Determined to keep his dream alive, he went on a whirlwind of trials across the country - from Newcastle to Ipswich, from Burnley to Leeds United, where he even set up two goals in a trial game. But wherever he went, the story was the same: they liked him, but their professional squads were already full.

At that time, Manchester City were expanding their global links and had forged a relationship in Michigan, USA. Coulson was offered a four-year scholarship worth up to £250,000 - but his heart remained set on English football.

He soon turned his back on that opportunity and returned home for a trial at Stoke City, before eventually signing a two-year professional deal with Cardiff City. His debut came in the FA Cup - a 2–1 defeat to Macclesfield Town - a bittersweet milestone that remains his only appearance for the Bluebirds.

When his contract ended, Coulson found himself once again looking for a club. He dropped deep into the lower echelons of non-league football with Radstock, before rebuilding his career with prominent National League sides Oxford City and Eastleigh, landing himself a move to Barnet, where he reignited his Football League ambitions.

He said: “I’d been in a bad place with self-doubt etc, etc but I always knew how good I was, I just needed the right opportunity to come along. I had six months without a football cub - touring the country and being rejected by 12 teams was tough.”

Now, a key player in Weston’s team of part-timers – who train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings - his story mirrors the spirit of the club - resilient, proud, and ready to punch above its weight.

Coulson, whose day job is in football coaching, said: “There’s a real sense of excitement and belief. We showed how good we can be in the FA Cup last year (Narrowly losing at full-time Football League pros Bristol Rovers). We rose to the occasion then, so why not now.

“We’ve got a strong group of players, we believe in each other and we’ve got home advantage for the first time in seven ties. We’ve been dying for a home draw and we’re determined to make the most of it with the fans right behind us giving us an extra boost.

“We’re full of confidence. Aldershot may be in the league above but effectively they’re only five places above us. We’re at home and raring to go.”

Be part of it

Saturday, November 1, kick off 3pm

Tickets online in advance or pay on the day

Weston-super-Mare AFC & Visit Weston