Refugee Camp to World Cup: Soccer Star's Journey Begins
Nestory Irankunda became the youngest Australian to score at a World Cup, but his journey started at a grassroots club that helped his refugee family afford fees and get to games. The Northern Wolves Soccer Club in Adelaide gave a talented kid his first chance, inspiring the next generation dreaming of following his path.
When Nestory Irankunda scored in Australia's World Cup match against Türkiye, his former youth coach Agostino Bivone had tears of joy watching a kid from Adelaide's northern suburbs make history.
Irankunda became the youngest Socceroo ever to score at a World Cup. But his remarkable journey started at the Northern Wolves Soccer Club in 2015, when he was just a talented eight-year-old whose family had recently arrived in Australia.
Born in a Tanzanian refugee camp in 2006 to Burundian parents, Irankunda's family eventually settled in Adelaide. The Northern Wolves became more than just a place to play soccer.
"They welcomed us," says Susana Hamenyimana, Irankunda's sister. "They also helped us with our soccer fees when our parents couldn't afford it."
When the family lacked transportation, Bivone drove them to games. He checked in on them regularly, ensuring the kids could stay involved in the sport they loved.
Susana remembers watching her brother play at the club and thinking, "Woah, what the hell, he's so good." That one season at Northern Wolves launched a career that took him through Adelaide's club system and eventually onto the global stage.
The Ripple Effect
On Tuesday nights at Northern Wolves, young players still talk about Irankunda with pride. Joshua, a 14-year-old player, was cleaning his room when his mother said guests were coming over.
Walking into the hallway, he looked up to see his hero standing there. Irankunda was visiting to buy clothes for his mother for Mother's Day, staying connected to his community even as his star rises.
Bennie, whose parents also came from Burundi, says watching Irankunda succeed "felt really nice seeing him representing us in a very good way." When Irankunda visits Adelaide, he still trains with other Burundian boys every Wednesday night.
Fares Alboasi, a 14-year-old at Northern Wolves who has scored 50 goals this season, says he feels proud knowing someone as big as Irankunda played at his club. He dreams of representing Australia and playing for Liverpool someday.
The club that gave one refugee kid a chance is now filled with young players who believe their dreams are possible too.
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Based on reporting by ABC Australia
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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