Heffron local Massimo Luongo stars in Australia's Asian Cup football victory

Massimo Luongo (courtesy ABC)

Local lad Massimo Luongo, the player of the series in Australia's Asian Cup victory has done his local community proud.

Massimo, a 22 year old local from Waterloo went to the UK to try his luck with Tottenham Hotspur F.C. and is now playing with Swindon Town.

I have known Massimo and his family since he was 8 years old. He played representative football with my youngest son, playing locally at Hensley Athletic Field, Jellicoe Park and other local venues. He was always such a talented young player. Now he shown in his home town what an outstanding talent he has become.

I told the NSW Parliament only in August last year, when I congratulated Massimo for making the Socceroos squad; "It is clear that Massimo is exceptionally talented and will be an exciting player to watch as Australia prepares for future international games " See my speech Parliament here. Wasn't that an understatement?

I know Massimo has now not only made made his family—father Mario, mother Ira, brother Titsiano and sister Angela proud, and his local community proud, but all of Australia.

I know this wonderful young man has a great future in front of him. He will make an important contribution to Australia's preparation for the World Cup in Russia. I wish him well in the future. He is such a great role model for other young footballers right throughout Australia.