If defenders in the Capital Premier League aren’t already having nightmares about Kade Lyons, they probably should be. A rising star for Wagga City Wanderers, Kade has made a habit of finding the back of the net and collecting awards along the way. At just 16 years old, he stormed through the U18s competition, casually bagging the Golden Boot and leaving opposition keepers wondering what just happened.

But it’s not just his Wanderers teammates who’ve noticed his talent. Kade has represented New South Wales, proving that his goal-scoring form isn’t just a local phenomenon. He’s also tested himself internationally, competing in the Ultimate Fiji Cup, where he helped his team secure victory. Not bad for a teenager who probably still gets asked for ID at the movies—and for defenders who now have to tell their coach they got torched by a high schooler.

While he’s known for his ruthless finishing, Kade’s game is about more than just goals. His teammates hold him in high regard, voting him Players’ Player for the U18s, a testament to his work rate, sportsmanship, and team-first attitude. He was also one of the inaugural winners of the Wanderers Cup, a nod to his leadership and contribution to the club. Opposing defenders may not have cast their votes, but they certainly won’t forget his name anytime soon.

In 2024, Kade stepped up to the Australia Cup, making an immediate impact and earning praise from coach Andy Heller. He’s shown he can handle pressure, whether it’s on the scoreboard or in crunch matches where it really matters. And if that wasn’t enough, Kade is just as much of a leader off the field. In 2025, he will serve as College Captain at Mater Dei Catholic College, proving that his leadership extends beyond the pitch. Balancing school, football, and his responsibilities as captain, Kade is showing that he’s just as capable of leading in the classroom as he is on game day. If defenders were hoping he’d be too busy with school to keep scoring goals, they’re out of luck.

But for all his accolades, Kade still faces one great challenge—getting through training without being outpaced by a veteran keeper more than twice his age, who might have the turning circle of a B-double and a stopping distance to match, but still knows exactly when to strike. No matter how many goals he scores or awards he collects, there’s nothing quite like being outrun by someone who spends most of the match reading the game rather than running it, picks his moments wisely, and then—when the sprints start—somehow finds another gear just to remind the young gun that experience always has an edge. And when that happens, he’s not letting it slide. The arms go up, the scoreboard is updated, and the celebration? Drawn out, over the top, and impossible to ignore—because when the veteran gets one over the young gun, he’s keeping score, keeping receipts, and making sure Kade never forgets it.

With a growing list of accolades, a natural ability to lead, and a playing style that’s as exciting as it is effective, Kade Lyons is just getting started. Whether he’s leading the line for the Wanderers, scoring screamers for NSW, setting the example for his school, or making a name for himself on the international stage, one thing is certain—defenders will be losing sleep over him for years to come (and he’ll be losing sprints to that keeper for just as long).