A Hong Kong backpacker has been plucked from busking obscurity to appear in the opening ceremony of the Asian Football Cup 2015 in Melbourne tonight.

Kenneth Law is an avid football freestyler and had been showcasing his skills on Melbourne's shopping strip, Bourke Street Mall, to the delight of Christmas shopping crowds. Aged 24, Law's dreams came true when he was spotted by Asian Football Cup organisers who were so impressed they asked him to join the opening ceremony.

Within two weeks he was busy rehearsing and tonight he will help entertain audiences of millions across Asia Pacific and around the world, including Law's family and friends back in Hong Kong.  The opening ceremony will take place at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, followed by the Socceroos' opening match against Kuwait at 8pm.

Kenneth Law has been practicing freestyle soccer for over eight years and is passionate about the sport, dedicating two hours every day to fine tuning his skills. Having graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and a degree in finance, he chose to take time out and go backpacking. Melbourne was Law's first port of call in Australia and he has fallen in love with the city and its lifestyle.

"I have always heard that Melbourne is the most liveable city in the world but I didn't really know what that meant until I came here," says Law. "Melbourne has a really good balance between work and life, it suits people with different lifestyles because of its diversity. To me life is all about experiencing things and my working holiday in Australia is definitely one of my best experiences."

Law now plans to extend his stay in Melbourne and also visit Sydney  during his travels.

The inaugural Asian Football Cup 2015 is the largest soccer event ever hosted in Australia and runs from 9-31 January.

Full cleared video available (30'', 60", 90")
Law doing freestyle tricks around Melbourne landmarks, roof tops bars, St Kilda beach, street art laneways. Please credit Tourism Victoria where possible.
https://tourismvicgov.groupdropbox.com/file/42e08c23acf3596b