Mauragis, 17, is one of the youngest few in the U20s squad and coach Dean Urgrinic described him as a “player of the future”.

“Lucas has a wonderful work ethic and is a wonderful trainer, he has an ability to take on instructions and work hard,” Urgrinic said.

With no A-League tier to lean on for support, Canberra United has had it tough in the competition although Urgrinic assured possibilities remain for young players such as Mauragis.

“We are trying to pull together a team that is competitive, which doesn’t necessarily mean to get good results but to see that a number of players can potentially be identified for bigger and better things,” he said. 

“Certainly the National Youth League provides a stepping stone for these particular players to show their wares to Joeys coaches or other A-League clubs.”

Earlier this month Canberra partnered with the Wollongong Wolves, which is now one of six bids left in the A-League expansion race. The Football Federation Australia board is likely to name two new clubs in the coming months.

A number of prospective Wolves players have also signed with United to play Y-League this season.

Since landing in Canberra in pursuit of a football career, Mauragis hopes to one day represent Australia.

“I am working hard, I would like to make it to England one day because that is where I really want to be,” Mauragis said.

His hard work is already paying off, after a standout performance in the season opener against the Central Coast Mariners last week.

Positioned on the left wing, Mauragis brought speed and attacking abilities to the game. There was no questioning his ability to match up to an opposing Mariners A-League player.

Canberra dominated, although lost focus in the dying minutes as the opposition scored with a header and own goal, stealing the show 3-2.

“It was an unlucky result, I feel like we should have won, but for Canberra I feel as though it is a good start,” Mauragis said.

“I think it is a positive result, to only just lose after being up in the game and dominating.”

With no official man of the match award at game’s end, the Mariners coach praised Mauragis as having a “man of the match performance”.

“To hear praise from the Mariners coach made me feel real positive about myself and help me to reach my goals,” Mauragis said.