Latter takes football leap in Britain
Sydney native Leo Latter has had a bright start with his new club in Wales, Rhyl FC.
Former Hakoah FC state youth league player Leo Latter, who also played futsal for the Mascot Vipers, made a gutsy decision to move to England in 2023 when 17, to commence a scholarship with Port Vale FC.
That decision is paying off, as the Emanuel School alumnus then joined Northwest League club Sandbach United, and after impressing there as a centre back, had a stint with English Football League Two club Harrogate Town.
Recently, he was signed by Welsh club Rhyl 1879, which described him as a commanding centre back, whose versatility and skills enable him to play anywhere in defence.
In Rhyl’s first three games of the new season, Latter started in a 0-0 draw with Brickfield, he headed in a 93rd minute goal in a nail-biting home loss on penalties against Denbigh Town, and he started again in a 3-2 away win over Guilsfield.
Latter told The AJN it’s been an incredible journey so far.
“No part of leaving home was easy, but the UK is a place which breathes football, and that’s exactly what I wanted.
“My experiences at Port Vale and Harrogate Town ultimately led me to have this season at Rhyl – a club with big ambitions and incredible support.
“I want to help them get promoted [to the top tier] where they belong.
“What I’ve learned so far at Rhyl is that you can become a key player, regardless of where you’re playing on the pitch.”
On understanding the Welsh dialect and accent, Latter quipped, “It almost sounds made up to those who aren’t used to it.
“It’s been really eye-opening to see how passionate Welsh football fans are.”
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