Ability Links kicks goals for young refugees

Creating social cohesion and empowering people to achieve their full potential through community-based initiatives has always been at the heart of SSI Ability Links.

With a focus on youth, the program targets newly arrived refugees with a mental health or psychological disability who are ineligible for support from the NDIS.

“Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, a sport that helps to facilitate inclusion and social cohesion,” said Ability Links Operations Manager Ben Fioramonte.

Following the launch in April, SSI Ability Links Area Coordinator Susan Cameron-Jung said many different communities came together “to share their love of soccer”, including Football NSW, Auburn Youth Centre, Afghan Hassanian Youth Association, Bankstown and Canterbury Council and Woodville Alliance.

“It was amazing to see everyone so passionate and excited,” said Ms Cameron-Jung. “After this success, SSI Ability Links hopes to replicate the program throughout Sydney.”

The project will be held at Auburn Youth Centre every Friday from 5:30pm eight weeks from Friday, May 24.

Football NSW has partnered with Ability Links on the program, offering tailored coaching sessions and training for participants from beginner to intermediate level.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in participating in the program, please contact Tamana Muslih (tmuslih@ssi.org.au) or Nawar Shadood, (nshadood@ssi.org.au) from Ability Links for more information. 

The latest project, launched in Lidcombe last month, helps bring together and support young refugees and their carers through a weekly social soccer meet-up.