U15s striker Lewis Gracie will tomorrow (Thursday) jet out to Lisbon and join up with Portuguese giants Benfica’s coveted International Development Squad. 

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Diamonds prospect Lewis is one of 14 players from around the world who have been selected to attend a month-long training camp at their world-renowned training facility. 

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And he said: “I can’t wait to get started on the training field, I know I am going to learn so much there. 

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“It’s a big chance for me and I aim to make the most of it.” 

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During the training camp Lewis will be put through his paces by Benfica’s Youth Academy Coaches with individual technical practices and tactical analysis sessions and he will also play games against other local academies. 

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Lewis has been an Academy player since Under-13s and has been sponsored by local businesses ATC Construction, Binz Waste Disposal and Trade Kitchen Centre throughout his time at the Club. 

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He was invited into first team training last Tuesday by boss Gary Bollan and striker Bryan Prunty who presented him with a boot bag and a beach towel kindly supplied by the Airdrieonians Supporters Trust to show our fans are right behind him in his adventure. 

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The whole Diamonds family is proud of Lewis and we will follow his fortunes while he is out in Portugal on the website and club media.