WHEN 19-year-old Naser Murad laces up his soccer boots in Tokyo next month, he’ll be stepping onto the field as a symbol of resilience, hope, and belonging.
The Coffs Harbour local has been selected in Deaf Football Australia’s men’s national team, the Deafaroos, to play at the upcoming Deaflympics.
The Games, to be held from 11-28 November, will mark the 100th anniversary of the international event and the first time it will take place in Japan.
Football (soccer) is one of 21 sports in the games.
For Naser, it’s the culmination of a journey that began far from the bright lights of Tokyo.
Born in Iraq, Naser and his family are Yazidi refugees who arrived in Australia eight years ago.
Of the seven children in the family, five are deaf.
When they first settled in Coffs Harbour, none of them spoke English or Auslan.
“Soccer is very important to me,” Naser said. “Growing up in Iraq, it’s how I made friends.
“When I came to Australia, I was scared because I didn’t know anyone, but through soccer I made friends who learned to communicate with me through sign language. It helped me feel at home.”
Naser’s connection to the game runs deep.
He started kicking a ball at two-years-old and joined his first team at five, taking home a ‘best player’ award even then.
Today he plays for Coffs City United Football Club, where he’s known for his attacking flair.
“To come to Australia as a refugee and then to represent this country makes me feel very honoured,” he said.
Before the tournament, Naser will meet his national teammates for the first time during a pre-training camp in Japan.
“I’m looking forward to meeting lots of new people from all around the world,” he said.
“The ceremonies and the games – I’ll remember them all my life.”
After finishing Year 12 at Orara High School last year, Naser began working as a painter but he makes time to train and play his beloved game with local team Coffs City United Football Club.
The Coffs Harbour community, including Orara High School P&C, has rallied behind Naser, raising funds to help cover his travel and equipment costs.
“Naser has overcome enormous challenges with resilience, determination, and an unbreakable spirit,” said P&C Vice-President Leanne Cross.
“Soccer became his way to connect, communicate, and grow both on and off the field.”
Htun Htun Oo, Chair of the Coffs Harbour Multicultural Society, which also ran a fundraiser, said it was a great honour for Coffs to have such an impressive local representing Australia.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for Naser and is a very proud moment for his family.”
Naser, whose favourite teams are Australia and Real Madrid, is already setting his sights on the 2027 Deaflympics in Sydney.
Fans can follow his journey via the Facebook page ‘Deaflympics Tokyo 2025 Live’, where matches will be streamed.
By Leigh WATSON
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