Frank Loughran was a Belfast-born footballer who was considered to be one of the pioneers of the sport in Australia.
13 Facts About Frank Loughran
1.
2.
Frank Loughran moved to Australia at the age of 23 with his wife Lily and two small sons.
3.
Frank Loughran showed such skill and potential for the Victorian Division 1 team that he soon caught the eye of both Victoria and Australian selectors.
4.
Frank Loughran made his debut for Moreland on 3 April 1954 at Fawkner Park in South Yarra.
5.
Frank Loughran represented the Australia national team at various levels between 1955 and 1960.
6.
Frank Loughran played a total of eight full international matches for Socceroos scoring two goals, one each against Japan and New Zealand.
7.
Frank Loughran added another 20 in 25 matches for Victoria.
8.
Frank Loughran first represented his adopted country in July 1955 when he turned out for an Australian XI in a B international against South China.
9.
Frank Loughran represented Australia at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, the first time Australia took part in the Olympic soccer tournament.
10.
Later in 1958, Frank Loughran was part of the Australia squad that embarked on a ten match tour of New Zealand.
11.
Frank Loughran's success helped him become an inaugural inductee to the Australian Football Hall of Fame in February 1999.
12.
Frank Loughran was invested with the Medal of Excellence at the ceremony.
13.
Frank Loughran was invited to take part in the Torch Relay for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.