Soccer is often regarded as a universal language and, for a group of newcomers to Armidale, the sport has helped them settle into the community.
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The children of refugee families took up the sport earlier this year to play in the local junior competition as a way of immersing themselves in the Armidale community.
The youngsters joined Demon Knights and Settlement Services International volunteer Jeff Siegel said it has proved a success with the community welcoming them with open arms.
“Originally we had about a dozen kids sign up and for various reasons we are down to six kids,” he said.
“They have been playing since the beginning of the season and they just love it.
“They didn't know anything about the community and it was an easy way in, something they really liked and are familiar with and it is an important part of the Armidale community of course.
“They have made good friends on their teams and their parents have met other parents and it is just a fantastic way for them to get into the Armidale community.”
Siegel said the juniors hadn’t played a lot of soccer before joining DK but took to it like a duck to water.
“I don't think they played organised soccer at home because they are refugees and have been in refugee camps and things like that, running for their lives,”
“They all knew a bit about soccer and were keen to play and they are really good players.
“They go all the way from under 16s to the six-year-olds.”
To start with, registration fees and equipment costs proved to be a hurdle for the families but the club, combined with St George Bank and community members, have overcome it to get the kids out on to the soccer field.
“The problem was fees. The Demon Knights soccer club were fantastic, they said the kids could start playing and we would worry about the fees later,” Siegel said.
“The government gives $100 for the Active Kids and then we were looking for money to pay the rest of the $50 remaining and St George has come through.
“To get the kids outfitted, people have been really helpful.
“Some people have donated out of their own money and just gave them to the kids. Sportspower have been fantastic helping. And the clubs, they got gear from older players that outgrew it.”
St George Armidale branch manager Jenny McGarry said it was important to the bank to see these kids happy in the local community.
“St George Bank has a proud history of helping in the community and are delighted to give Demon Knights Football Club a community grant to assist with the equipment and costs of these young players and players of the future,” she said.
“Jeff Siegel has been integral in talking to the families and the Demon Knights football committee to find the best outcome for the children to become involved in a sporting activity and for the parents a social environment. We are delighted to be able to connect with Demon Knights and Jeff to assist these children to have all the equipment they need to have a fun experience meeting new people and settling into Armidale.”