By Alesha Capone
Werribee-based soccer club Wyndham United is helping refugees to connect with sport and the community.
Club vice-president Trevor Bowen said Wyndham United had a “heavy focus” on helping refugees by subsidising the costs associated with playing.
“We know there are a lot of very good players out there who can’t afford to play, who don’t get a chance,” Mr Bowen said.
He said there were several Karen players at the club, and also players from African nations such as South Sudan and Kenya.
Joel Musa has a South-Sudanese background and came to Australia at the age of 13 as a refugee from Uganda.
He has played with Wyndham United for four seasons.
The 24-year-old said he enjoyed the community feeling and diversity of Wyndham United.
He said after arriving in Australia, joining in with sport had helped him to develop his English skills.
Mr Musa also said he enjoyed playing soccer alongside other refugees at Wyndham United, who understood the struggles of adapting to life in a new country.
“I think that’s why it’s a strong community and it’s important to help young people to develop skills, including life skills, on and off the pitch,” he said.
