He's experienced sporting glory and survived major health issues, but Paul Wade has also built a business based on public speaking which offers inspiration to various groups.
He's now helping torture and trauma survivors, and its the young refugees who are inspiring him.
Wade told SBS News: "They inspire me to do this because some of the stuff they do just blows me away from where they've come".
Paul Wade about to start another football game at STARTTS Source: John Baldock - SBS
Many participants of the STARTTS scheme in Sydney's Fairfield come from Iraqi or Syrian backgrounds.
Maryam Werdy says she loves it. Participants receive help with job seeking, homework, boxing, dancing [Capoeira] and football.
Werdy said Wade's help is much appreciated.
"I get inspired by him and learn new stuff so its really good," she told SBS News.
Wade uses slides and cards in Arabic and English to help the children understand his story of recovering from brain surgery associated with his epilepsy.
Pictures of his scarred scalp and his brain taken during his surgery aren't easy to look at, but the stories he's heard put it all into perspective.
"Bombs in their backyard? Don't ever get upset because somebody doesn't go on a green arrow when we're sitting in traffic," he said.
Paul Wade showing participants a picture of his scarred head. Source: John Baldock - SBS
Lina Ishu is the STARTTS program team leader, she says its intention is to help refugees and migrants normalise their lives.
"Forming friends, socialising, getting to know people who have similar experiences as well," she said.
More than a hundred people are registered for the scheme, with around 50 attending on an average Friday night.
Wade's experience recovering from a brain operation wasn't easy. He often felt embarrassed, isolated and humiliated because of his short term memory loss and inability to concentrate.
But he's enjoying life and the chance to help people who may be finding life tough.
The nights involve football games where Wade can pass on his expert knowledge of what it takes to be a champion.
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