Soccer star Evan Berger admitted it was nice to be recognised closer to home after spending much of the past 18 months in Canberra or on the road with Various representative sides.

The 19-year old was named Wollondilly Shire Council's Sportsperson of the Year for 2007 at Friday's Australia Day awards, his gong coming not just for his deeds on the soccer field in 2006 but a career that started at the under-7 level.

"It is good to know that people do recognise you" Berger said.

Evan started his football career at Burragorang District Soccer Club at under-7 level, and that commitment has led to tours of Sri Lank, Argentina, Malaysia, India and Chile with the under-20's Young Socceroo squad.

Playing as a left midfielder, Berger scored his first international goal against Vietnam last year, and hopes to play in the under-20 World Cup in Canada this year (2007).

He also played for NSW Combined High Schools at the 2005 national schools championships where he was named player of the tournament, and won a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport.

He was also inducted into the Westfield Sports High School's Hall of Fame in 2005.

Evan is currently training with Marconi and will play with the Premier League club in the hope of winning a spot on the Central Coast Mariners' roster in the A-League next season.