The Socceroos aren’t the only Australian team counting down to the World Cup.
Three girls, and three boys have been selected to play in FIFA’S Football for Hope tournament - to be held in Rio, during the final two weeks of the planet’s biggest sporting event.
“I’m so excited, I still think this is a dream, I can’t believe it’s happening,” says 17 year old Ljiljana Jojic, who moved to Australia from Serbia two years ago.
Through school, she joined the Football United program to improve her English, “that’s still a work in progress,” she jokes.
But meeting other young people in a similar situation has helped ease her into a new society.
“It really helps me de-stress, and have really, really good fun.”
The team also includes two players born in Afghanistan, one in Peru, and Sudanese born Farous Nghath, who is “stoked” about her first overseas trip.
As well as taking on teams from 31 other countries in the five-a-side tournament, they will take part in workshops on leadership and life-skills.
While there is talk of “bringing home a cup,” it’s sure to be a life-changing journey either way.
The lucky six are extremely honoured to be representing Australia, but perhaps Australia should be equally proud of them.
“It’s good if everyone is working together even if they have different skin, different languages. I think this program is all about that, you can help each other, and have fun,” says Ljiljana.
And with that attitude, she can’t lose.
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