Charles Lokolingoy got his first taste of football on the streets of the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo.
But it was only after his family moved to Australia as refugees that the game opened up new possibilities for him.
“All of a sudden it’s coming together, from playing for school and then from there, clubs started picking me up," he told SBS World News.
Lokolingoy arrived in Australia when he was 11-years-old.
He could not speak any English, but says football helped him adjust to life in a new home.
“The way I got to know people is through football, just playing around with friends, and then I started making friends through that and learning English quicker as well."
“It was very tough, because I speak French, and coming all the way to Australia, I had no idea how to speak.”
Now, Lokolingoy says it is that migrant background that pushes him to succeed.
Match action at Sydney FC vs Sutherland Sharks at Lambert Park on May 7, 2017 in Leichhardt. Source: Getty Images
"My past definitely drives me forward,” he said.
“I don't want to go back to the life I was before, I definitely want to improve my life. So yeah, it definitely pushes me."
After achieving his dream of becoming a professional football player, the 20-year-old will achieve another dream on Thursday when Sydney FC plays Arsenal at ANZ Stadium,
"I was an Arsenal fan when I started as a young kid, because Thierry Henry was my favourite player,” he said.
“Versing Arsenal, it's definitely a great club, of course, and it will be a dream come true."
The English Premier League giants will face the Sky Blues on Thursday night and then the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.
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