In celebration of the resilience and contributions of refugee communities from rural and regional NSW, the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) Wollongong office will be hosting the ‘Wollongong World Cup’ (WCC), an indoor football tournament to mark Refugee Week.
As an expression of the unity and togetherness that sport can bring, the Cup is an initiative of Wollongong local, Karenni community leader and former refugee Francis (Htjaru) Kayphoe alongside the competition’s co-founder and STARTTS Community Development Project Officer, Piteeri Michail.
The event will see around 25 teams and over 300 participants – all former refugees – from across regional NSW compete in a friendly and inclusive tournament at the University of Wollongong (UOW) on Saturday, 28th and Sunday, 29th June 2025, from 10am to 7pm. The teams will be comprised of those from Anuak, Banyamulenge, Bhutanese, Burundian, Congolese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Hakha Chin, Iranian, Iraqi, Karenni, Syrian, Ukrainian, Yazidi and Zomi backgrounds.
Men’s and women’s teams from Albury, Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle and Wollongong will be participating and showcasing the power of sport to unite communities and support the settlement process, with a particular focus on the strengths and experiences of those living in rural and regional areas.
The tournament provides an opportunity for these communities and individuals to come together and showcase their considerable skills in a setting that isn’t always available in the various parts of the state from which they are drawn.
While the WCC is in part an initiative of STARTTS, it would not be possible without support from many other organisations including Corrimal Rotary Club Illawarra; Illawarra Multicultural Services; Kit Bag for Kids; Mosaic Metros Futsal Club; Multicultural & Refugee Health; Multicultural Communities Council; Red Cross (Humanitarian Settlement Program); St John’s Ambulance; Talk2me Bro; University of Wollongong; and Wollongong City Council.
As part of this year’s tournament, we are proud to introduce a major highlight — the Best Player in the Tournament award recognising an outstanding individual whose performance, skill, and spirit set them apart throughout the competition.
The recipient will receive a double prize award:
- An exclusive invitation to a national training session and the chance to be selected for the Australian National SOCCA Team — the ‘Sixaroos’, who will be competing at the SOCCA World Cup in Mexico (28 November – 7 December 2025).
- A fully sponsored position with the elite futsal club, the Mosaic Metros, who will be participating in the Australian Futsal Association National League 2025/26 season.
Event Details
- Dates: 28 ‐ 29 June 2025
- Time: 10am – 7pm
- Location: Uniactive Sports Hub,
Building 13, University of Wollongong (UOW),
13 Northfields Ave, Keiraville
ATTRIBUTABLE QUOTES
Francis Kayphoe
“I’m excited to see this tournament return for its second year, bringing former refugees from across NSW to Wollongong to help recognise Refugee Week. It’s important to highlight the contributions of refugees – particularly those in rural and regional areas – and create a welcoming space for everyone to share their stories and cultures.”
STARTTS CEO, Jorge Aroche
“The Wollongong World Cup is a testament to the strength of community and shared human experience.
It fosters inclusion, providing a vital platform for former refugees to demonstrate their considerable skills and celebrate their diverse cultures together.
Additionally, STARTTS’ research has consistently found that participating in sport profoundly supports recovery and helps heal scars from past traumas.
We are thrilled to host the Wollongong World Cup once again and celebrate the talent, strength, and resilience of communities from refugee backgrounds across rural and regional NSW. This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about fostering belonging and celebrating the beautiful game as a catalyst for connection.”
Jarrod Galbraith‐Marten, Club President, Mosaic Metros Futsal Club
“This initiative forms part of our commitment to recognising and nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds. It is both an honour and a privilege for Mosaic Metros Futsal Club to support this event as part of Refugee Week 2025.
The club was originally formed as part of the Multicultural Futsal Series (2020–2021) — a project proudly supported by STARTTS — and it brings immense personal satisfaction to contribute to this important event and help provide a talented player from a refugee background the platform to showcase their abilities at the highest levels of futsal and small‐sided football.”
Samuel Young, Captain and Director of SOCCA Australia
“It’s a privilege for Socca Australia to be part of such a fantastic event.
STARTTS’ passion for uniting communities and celebrating inclusion through the sport we all love is inspiring.
Small‐sided football and community are our passions so we’re proud to support this meaningful weekend in any way we can, and I’m excited to see what the day has in store and of course keeping an eye out for exceptional talent.”
