As Christmas draws closer and the Academy prepares for a well-earned winter break, we sat down with Under-21s captain Luke Browne – the commanding, charismatic leader at the heart of Darren Powell’s defence – to talk festive traditions, childhood memories, and what the holidays look like back home in Ireland.
It’s been a standout season for the young Irishman. A vocal presence and natural organiser, Browne has embraced the responsibility of the armband throughout 2025/26 so far, playing key roles in eye-catching victories over the likes of Leeds in Premier League 2 Division One and Juventus and FC Nordsjaelland in the Premier League International Cup.
But as the year winds down, the north-Dublin native is counting the days until he’s back with family, friends, and familiar traditions…
Christmas is something I look forward to all year round
—Luke Browne
“Yeah, so we're getting home on the 19th (December) this year. It’s always a good break for me and the lads – especially boys like myself who get to go back to Ireland and see the family. It’s a reset, really, just a bit of time away from football.
“Christmas Day is the whole family together, giving out presents, chilling through the afternoon, and then dinner and a few board games in the evening.
“And then Stephen’s Day… that’s when the entire family heads to the pub for a meal. Just enjoying ourselves before it’s time to get back to work again.”
“Oh yeah – Stephen’s Day is our Boxing Day! It’s the same thing really: the day after Christmas, meeting the whole family again, heading out somewhere for food, and just relaxing. That’s Stephen’s Day.”
“I’d say all good ones. Waking up at six in the morning, running down to see what was under the tree… and then going to my granny’s house to see my cousins and the rest of the family. It was always a fun day.
“They’re memories I really look back on. Christmas is something I look forward to all year round.”
“I’d probably say a PlayStation 4. I must’ve been very young when I got it, but I used it for years – honestly, hours every day. So yeah, the PlayStation definitely got the most use!”
“Not usually, but I think this year we’re doing it. Me and a few of my mates back home are getting Christmas jumpers on and heading into town to see what’s going on. Not normally my thing – but this year I am, yeah!”
Christmas is as much a mental break as a physical one
—Luke Browne
“I think it’s huge – it’s a mental reset. Over here it’s training, then home to rest and recover before the next day. But when you get home, your mind switches off from football.
“It’s as much a mental break as a physical one. Just time to enjoy being around family and friends.”
“Not really – maybe just the Irish reputation for enjoying a drink! But honestly, the culture’s pretty similar. Go home, head to the pub, get some good food, have one or two drinks. I think it’s the same over here.”
“Dublin, north side. It’s a bit out of the way – about 20, 25 minutes from town. It’s a nice area, not too busy, but you get good crowds heading into town on a Saturday night when it gets a bit hectic. But yeah, it’s a good place.”
“I just want to go home, see my friends and family, and have a good time. I want to take my mind off football for the few days we have and just enjoy myself.
“And now that I’m getting older, you sort of have to make it feel special for the younger ones in the family. But yeah – it’s a time to sit back, enjoy being with everyone, and step away from football for a little bit.”
