Arabic version: داروين أولمبيك يربط المهاجرين عبر كرة القدم

According to ABC News, Darwin Olympic Sporting Club is helping migrants settle into life in the Northern Territory through soccer, with players and members representing more than 30 nationalities.

Founded in 1967 by Greek migrants, the club has developed into a multicultural gathering place in Darwin’s northern suburbs. Club president Yianni Prouzos said football was a common language that allowed people to connect without speaking the same language, while migrants also contributed as volunteers, coaches and supporters.

For defender Kaung Zayar-Thaw, 15, soccer has provided support after his family fled Myanmar following the 2021 military coup. The family travelled into Thailand and later arrived in the Top End in 2024. At Darwin Olympic, teammates helped Kaung practise English as well as soccer.

Kaung said football helped him manage stress and communicate with teammates. His mother, Kyi Nwe Oo, said the family had felt safe in Darwin, although adapting to a different language, culture and food had been difficult. Taking part in community activities helped them feel involved, she said.

Charles Darwin University senior lecturer Devaki Monani said sport could connect communities and break down language and political barriers. Football Northern Territory chief executive Jaime Monteith said soccer could give new arrivals a sense of belonging and create opportunities in volunteering, coaching and refereeing.