Those efforts, Berryman said, were also worthy of a nomination in the Macarthur Chronicle "Junior Sports Star".

The young striker, of Oakdale, has been with the Burragorang club for seven seasons and his attributes, Berryman said, are those you would wish for in every sportsman.

"Daniel was at the forefront of his under-13 division two team losing one game last season and leading them to winning the division then the Ron Dine Cub Championship" he explained.

"In 2007, again with Daniel captain, the team didn't lose a game."

The Evan Berber Rising Star Award, to honour the former Burragorang player who plays for Melbourne Victory in the A.League and also represented Australia in the under-2Os, was commissioned last year.

Berryman said all coaches and managers from under-9 teams and upwards gave 3, 2 and 1 points to players each week and these were averaged over the number of games played.

"Daniel was clearly the winner," he said.

"He holds himself exceptionally well as a captain and player and, without question, he was the most deserving recipient of the award."

Lee's team has been club champions, for the past two seasons though its greatest challenge will come this dear after the players were promoted to division one.

Written by Vera Bertola : Courtesy Wollondilly Macarthur Chronicle 7/4/2009