A New Life In Australia

Kamal Ibrahim, Australia

Kamal Ibrahim is a soccer player for Port Melbourne Soccer Club and Founder of non-profit One Ball, based in Melbourne, Australia. One Ball is a non-profit organization that uses soccer as a tool to empower and engage young people. Kamal arrived in Australia in 2003 with his family after leaving his home country of Ethiopia.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your current football life? 

My name is Kamal Ibrahim, and I am a soccer player who migrated from Ethiopia to Australia in 2003 at the age of 12. Soccer has been an essential part of my life since then, as it helped me communicate and connect with my new community, especially when I had difficulties settling into my new life in Australia due to the language barrier.

Currently I play with the Port Melbourne 'Sharks' Soccer Club (playing in the NPL) and have had a successful football career so far. I represented Australia with the Young Socceroos from 2007 to 2010 and played in the A-League with Melbourne Heart (now known as Melbourne City) from 2010 to 2012. Additionally, I won the National Premier League Victoria Gold Medal in 2015, which is the NPL's Best and Fairest award.

Overall, soccer has given me countless opportunities and skills that have helped me both on and off the field. I am proud of my achievements and grateful for the support and acceptance I have received from the soccer community.

What has been your football journey? 

I played football in Ethiopia almost every day with friends, but we never had a coach or any formal training. All we had was a single ball, and we did not even have proper football boots or a soccer ground to play on. It was just something we loved doing and brought us together. 

I had to leave Ethiopia with my mother and younger brother to escape the ongoing conflict and instability in the country. My father and older brothers were taken by the government to Eritrea. We lost our house and business, leaving us with no other option but to leave our home country in search of safety and a better future. It was a difficult decision to make, but we were determined to start a new life in Australia, away from the violence and chaos of our homeland.

When I arrived in Australia, I joined the Port Melbourne Soccer Club and started receiving proper training and coaching. It was a new experience for me, and I quickly realized how much I had to learn.

What is One Ball? Why did you set up One Ball?

One Ball is a non-profit organization that uses soccer as a tool to empower and engage young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our aim is to inspire and encourage young people to be active, healthy, and develop life skills through sport.

I founded One Ball because I had personally experienced the power of football in my life when I migrated to Australia. Football provided me with a sense of belonging and helped me to communicate and connect with my new community despite the language barrier. I wanted to create an organization that would provide other young people with the same opportunities that I had, and help them to realize their full potential both on and off the field.

Through One Ball, we provide access to football programs and coaching, equipment, and facilities to young people who might otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in organized sports. We also offer mentoring, leadership development, and education support to help young people reach their goals both on and off the field. Our ultimate goal is to create positive change in the lives of young people and build stronger, more resilient communities.

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

The photos include the One Ball program, training sessions, coaches, and kids, as well as my soccer team at the time - Albion Rovers FC Cairnlea, playing in the State League 2. They were taken in various locations such as Port Melbourne, Cranbourne, and Maribyrnong for the One Ball program, and in Cairnlea for my soccer team.

I wanted to showcase the impact that One Ball has on the lives of young people in the community, the diversity of the kids who participate in the program, and the joy and sense of community that comes with playing football together.

Most of the kids in the One Ball program had never been part of a sports team before. Being part of One Ball was their first experience of being part of a team, and it was great to see how much they enjoyed it.

I also wanted to highlight the important role that coaches play in the program, not just as football instructors, but as mentors and role models for the kids. Seeing the interaction between the coaches and the kids, and the positive impact they have on their lives, is truly inspiring.

What is your favourite photo? Why?

My favourite photo is where a young girl is holding the soccer ball with both hands. This photo represents the essence of what One Ball is all about - empowering and encouraging children, particularly girls, to participate in sport and be physically active. It has always been a passion of mine to inspire young girls to follow their dreams, whether that is in sport or any other area of life. 

I strongly believe that girls should be given equal opportunities and support in sports and that they can achieve great things if given the chance. This photo is a testament to the positive impact that One Ball is making in the lives of children, especially girls, by providing a safe and welcoming environment where they can develop their skills and have fun. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports and society as a whole.

What role does football play in your community and Australian society?

Football plays a significant role in our community and Australian society. It is a sport that brings people together, regardless of their background or differences. It provides an opportunity for people to participate in physical activity, promote health and well-being, and develop social connections and a sense of belonging.

Football has also contributed to the cultural diversity of Australian society. With a large number of migrants coming from countries where football is a significant part of their culture, football has become a way for these communities to maintain their cultural identity while also integrating into Australian society.

What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?

Football means a lot to me, as it has given me opportunities that I never expected. It taught me important life skills like resilience, hard work, patience, teamwork, and having a winning mindset. It allowed me to connect with my community.

As for my ambitions, I want to continue promoting One Ball and encouraging young people to play football and be active. I also hope to continue coaching and helping to develop the next generation of talented players. Additionally, I want to use my platform to raise awareness about important social issues, such as the refugee situation and the importance of sports in fostering inclusion and unity.

What is the future for football in Australia?

The future for football in Australia looks promising. The sport is growing in popularity, particularly at the grassroots level, and there are many talented players coming through the ranks. The A-League, the top professional league in Australia, is also expanding with new teams and there is increasing investment in the development of the sport.

Additionally, the success of the Australian national teams, particularly the Matildas, has helped to raise the profile of football and inspire young players to get involved in the sport.