Operations manager Ben Fioramonte says the project is aimed at empowering young people aged from 12 to 25, and will run in Granville every Friday over the next eight weeks.
“Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world and it’s a sport of social inclusion. A group sport like soccer helps to facilitate inclusion and social cohesion,” he said.
“SSI is a community organisation and social business that supports newcomers and other Australians to achieve their full potential.
“We work with people who have experienced a vulnerability, including refugees, people seeking asylum and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.”
SSI area coordinator Susan Cameron-Jung said many different communities came together “to share their love of soccer” for the launch, including Football NSW, Auburn Youth Centre, Australian Afghan Hassanian Youth Association, Lebanese Muslim Association, Bankstown and Canterbury Council and Woodville Alliance.
“It was amazing to see everyone so passionate and excited,” she said.
“After this success, SSI Ability Links want to replicate the program throughout Sydney.”
Young migrants kick off fun
☐ A new Settlement Services International (SSI) Ability Links Soccer Project was at the Auburn Youth Centre (AYC) last week.
Photo: Radim Cechvala
SOCCER is helping bring together and support young refugees and carers in a program launched launched in Lidcombe last week by Settlement Services International (SSI) Ability Links.
