FIVE football teams comprising 36 young people from refugee backgrounds who are now living in Coffs Harbour, made a significant impact at the Wollongong World Cup (WCC) on 29 June.
The initiative, organised by the Wollongong officer of the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where former refugees can showcase their skills and connect with others.
The indoor football tournament, held at the University of Wollongong (UOW), brought together over 300 participants from diverse refugee communities across regional NSW, serving as a key event in the celebration of Refugee Week.
Their participation not only highlighted their athletic talent but also underscored the event’s core purpose: to unite individuals from various backgrounds through the shared love of sport, fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating cultural resilience.
Among the successful outcomes for the Coffs Harbour contingent was the outstanding performance of the Coffs Girls team, who emerged as champions in the Women’s category.
The STARTTS Girls team, also from Coffs Harbour, were runners-up.
Enas Qasim from The STARTTS won most outstanding female player for the competition with Ranya Jindo from Coffs Girls taking the Golden Boot award and Rowena Hanson-Clark the Golden Glove award.
“I feel proud of myself and all of the girls teams from Coffs Harbour,” Enas Qasim, winner of Outstanding Female Player said.
“It was a great opportunity to attend the Wollongong World Cup and see all the different cultures coming together.”
Coffs Harbour team Fimbu FC also won their grand final in the Men’s Competitive division, competing against Congo FC from Wollongong.
It was an exciting match with Fimbu FC captain Dalshad Maao scoring the only goal.
He also took the award for the “Spirit of the Game” in the male competitive round with Fimbu FC goalkeeper Khaleel Himo receiving the Golden Glove award.
“I just feel so happy and proud of all the boys”, Dalshad said.
Participants came from diverse backgrounds including from Anuak, Banyamulenge, Bhutanese, Burundian, Congolese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Hakha Chin, Iranian, Iraqi, Karenni, Syrian, Yazidi and Zomi communities.
By Andrea FERRARI
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
