NYL: Get to know Martin Lo

By James Clark

Born and bred in Western Sydney, 16 year old Martin Lo is a football talent on the rise.

Since picking up the round-ball aged six, Lo has achieved more than most kids his age and considers himself lucky to be living out his football dream at the Western Sydney Wanderers. For Lo there could be no better club to hone his craft and build on his skill base.

Born to Vietnamese parents who were happy to escape their war-ravaged country for a better life in Australia, Lo’s family has been a constant source of support and always encouraged his sporting pursuits. His brother is an important part of his life and will drive Lo to the many school and Foxtel National Youth League training sessions without question such is the commitment of the family.

Their influence and inspiration is evident as they have strived to stamp a cultural ethic of “only hard work gets results” on their son.

After receiving an innocent school newsletter home when Lo was younger, the invitation to join the local Guilford McCredie Uniting Soccer Club was too big a temptation to ignore and with his parents’ permission sparked a love of the round ball that has never waned.

He eventually moved into central midfield favouring the higher work rate and the added responsibility. Lo’s love of hard work paid dividends when he was selected to represent his country in the Australian U13 side that competed in Malaysia in 2010. A proud moment that he and his family will never forget.

Considering himself very lucky to attend the renowned Westfields Sports High School Lo takes comfort in knowing that many before him took advantage of the fine sports program on offer and went onto greater sporting success. The likes of Socceroo Harry Kewell and fellow Wanderers Mark Bridge and Aaron Mooy grace the honour board at the distinguished campus in Fairfield West.

He must be doing something right as he and team mate Jake McGing were chosen by Tony Popovic to travel with the senior squad on the recent Wanderers pre-season trip of China and Japan.

The experience of training and playing with the senior group has given him enormous confidence and motivation to focus on his dream of playing in a Sydney Derby. Lo realises that he has a long way to go but with the advice of his coach Trevor Morgan and Tony Popovic to do “simple things of the game perfectly” his dream will become a reality.

The Foxtel National Youth League is the main nursery and pathway for the rising junior talent striving to play in the Hyundai A-League.

Do yourself a favour and get down and support the Foxtel National Youth League and cheer on the young Wanderers on show as it won’t be long before many of these hopefuls get their opportunity to impress the Red and Black faithful at Pirtek Stadium on the big stage.

Martin Lo and his Wanderer’s teammates are the second match of a Marconi Stadium double header on Sunday 10 November kicking-off at 4:10pm following the Westfield W-League team's match against Adelaide United at 2pm.

Wanderers Members receive free entry with all other adults $10 and concession $5.

This article appears courtesy of Western Sydney Wanderers FC:

 

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