Darwin soccer club welcomes migrants to Northern Territory
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In Darwin, Australia, Darwin Olympic SC is connecting migrants from over 30 countries to the local community through soccer.
The club, founded in 1967 by Greek migrants, now includes players and members from diverse backgrounds. Kaung Zayar-Thaw, a 15-year-old who fled Myanmar with his family after a military coup, found support and a sense of belonging when he joined the club in 2024.
Kaung’s family initially faced challenges adjusting to life in the Northern Territory, including language barriers and unfamiliar food, but participating in soccer helped them feel more connected to the community. Darwin Olympic’s president, Yianni Prouzos, believes the sport provides a universal language that transcends cultural differences. He noted that migrants now contribute to the club as players, volunteers, coaches, and supporters, sharing their knowledge and experiences.
Charles Darwin University lecturer Devaki Monani explained that Darwin’s relatively small and diverse population makes it easier for newcomers to integrate. Football Northern Territory’s chief executive, Jaime Monteith, added that soccer is often the first sport of choice for migrants, providing opportunities for volunteering and leadership. Kaung’s mother, Kyi Nwe Oo, expressed that the family is working to build a home in Darwin with the help of these connections.
