A young man, a new country, and the world game.
Refugee Week ran from 16-22 June and as it closed, Football Australia paused to celebrate the journeys that give the game its heart. None feels more powerful than Nahome's. After arriving in Australia with few friends and little English, he found community on the pitch. In his own words, "Football changed everything for me. When I came here, I didn't know anyone. I didn't speak the language. But when I joined the team, I felt accepted straight away."
You can watch his story in our short film: Click Here to Watch
Finding Freedom through football
The 2025 Refugee Week theme of 'Finding Freedom', reminds us that safety is only the first step; true freedom comes with belonging. Football breaks language barriers, sparks friendships and lets every newcomer feel at home. Thanks to partners such as Settlement Services International (SSI), young people like Nahome join local clubs, meet mentors who understand their background and start dreaming again.
How the week unfolded across Australia
Queensland marked the occasion in Cairns and Townsville, where Multicultural Settlement clinics for children aged 4-12 years old welcomed new families. A friendly match in Cairns even brought local youth together with Queensland Police, showing how shared goals and fair play build trust. Sam Escobar and Robert Quigley from Football Queensland guided the activity and kept the energy high.
In South Australia, Football SA's Head of Participation, Jake Brindley spent the week visiting African youth programs in schools and meeting the local Afghan community. He joined an evening training session that ended with a cultural dinner, giving everyone a chance to swap stories and learn how Football Australia's CALD grant can open formal pathways for talented players.
Tasmania added its own touch. Community Development Officer, Priyanka Chadha hosted a refugee celebration day in Hobart. Around twenty participants moved through skill stations, played a friendly game and then shared a well-earned pizza, proving once more that football starts conversations long after the whistle blows.
Back in New South Wales, Western Sydney's Michael Clarke Recreation Centre became a hub of colour and noise. Families from Iraq, Afghanistan and many other places kicked side-by-side, parents chatted on the sidelines, and strangers left as friends. The event, delivered by Football Australia with Settlement Services International (SSI), underlined how the game can open doors to wider community life.
Social cohesion in action
Each activation was designed with one goal: use football to weave people together. When boots hit grass, uniforms fade into the background and joy takes over. Children gain confidence, parents find new networks, and communities grow stronger. Refugee Week showed that while the road to safety can be hard, the journey to belonging is easier when we move and play together.
A word of thanks
Football Australia thanks every participant, family, coach, volunteer, and partner who made Refugee Week shine. We appreciate SSI's tireless support and the dedication of state federations in Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania. Your commitment proves that the game truly belongs to everyone.
