Lismore FC striker, flood victim Massimo Feletti, 10, named match ball carrier at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

A 10-year-old Northern Rivers footballer who lost his home in the floods got the surprise of his life when he was bestowed a life-changing honour on live TV. Here’s his story.

Massimo Feletti, of Lismore, is one of 35 junior footballers chosen across Australia to be official match ball carriers for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup.

A young Northern Rivers footballer who lost his home in the 2022 floods got the surprise of his life when he was bestowed a life-changing honour during a morning TV call-out.

Massimo Feletti, 10, from Lismore Workers Football Club was on the pitch with his teammates when the revelation hit on Wednesday.

Massimo was announced as one of only 35 junior footballers from across Australia chosen by sponsor, Kia, to be an official match ball carrier at the FIFA Women’s World Cup – anticipated to draw a huge audience.

Massimo Feletti, 10, of Lismore had his home, school, and football club destroyed in the 2022 flood disasters.

Nearly lost for words, the striker could not contain his elation.

Massimo is due to run out during the third quarterfinal on August 12.

“I’m so excited” he exclaimed to Today show weatherman Tim Davies during a live broadcast at the Lismore clubhouse.

Massimo’s mum, Nicole Feletti, said it was “a dream come true” for her son and she was “overwhelmed” by the announcement.

“I can’t believe we’ll be sitting in the stands watching him running out onto the pitch,” she said.

“Massy is shocked, but ecstatic.”

The Feletti’s have faced a hard slog, like many Lismore residents, after they tragically lost their home and belongings in last year’s historic natural disasters.

Massimo’s school and football club was also flooded – the clubhouse destroyed.

“Massimo lives and breathes football,” Ms Feletti said.

“He’s had a tough time since the floods, but an opportunity like this is a positive moment he’ll remember for the rest of his life.”

Lismore Workers Football Club players at the announcement. Picture: Supplied

Lismore Workers FC president and junior coach Nadine Toniello said the revelation Massimo would be involved in the Cup was “so exciting” for the club.

“Massimo’s home was flooded in South Lismore, as well as his soccer club and school,” she said.

Ms Toniello said the young gun was not nominated for the honour and she “just got a call from a guy who is marketing the World Cup and it went on from there“.

“He invited the Today show and arranged that end. I organised club people to show up.”

Lismore Workers FC is only now starting to get the ball rolling again for their teams after floodwaters surged over the two-storey clubhouse.

“We lost at least half our junior teams,” Ms Toniello said.

“This year we have four junior teams, one men’s and one women’s team.”

When Kia heard of the club’s plight, another surprise came by way of a $10,000 cheque to help rebuild.

“We’re lost for words, the money will help us get back up and running,” Ms Toniello said.

The clubhouse still has no canteen and the club has been waiting for repairs to its second storey.

Ms Toniello said: “We have power, gas and water back on – the canteen will be next year’s project.”