BRIMBANK Stallions under-15 superleague young gun Matt Hume is happiest when there's a soccer ball at his feet.
The 15yearold from Gisborne lives and breathes the round ball code.
Little wonder.
The young gun central midfielder is enjoying amazing success out on the pitch.
He captained the Vic Country under-15 representative side at the recent National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour.
Not surprisingly, Hume enjoyed every minute of it.
"It's a great honour [to play for your state]," he said.
"Just walking out on the pitch captaining Victoria was a great experience. It meant a lot."
Hume had captained the Vic Country under-14 representative side at the National Youth Championships last year. The fiercely determined youngster has set his sights on making the Australian under-17 squad in the coming years. It would be a dream come true.
"That's obviously what I'll be trying to get into. That's one of my goals, long term," he said.
Hume struts his stuff for the Stallions' under-15 super league side and won the best and fairest award this year.
He recalls falling in love with soccer after watching older brother Nathan take part in training sessions with an under-9 side at the Gisborne Soccer Club.
"I would've been six and I just joined in during skill sessions and little games," he said.
He doesn't hesitate in listing Melbourne Victory midfielder Billy Celevski as one of his favourite players.
"Unfortunately, he's injured at the moment," he said.
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is another player Hume likes to watch.
Hume comes from a family with a passion for soccer.
His brothers Nathan, 18, and Nicholas, 13, are also fine players.
Nathan plays for the Sunshine Georgies' under-21 side in the Victorian Premier League, but is having a breather this year to concentrate on year 12 studies.
Nicholas plays for the Brimbank Stallions' under-13A side. The three boys and parents Alan and Karen are members of A-League reigning premier Melbourne Victory.
They don't miss a home game. "It's our passion," Hume said.
It's a busy life for Hume, who is studying year 9 at Gisborne Secondary College.