Kaung Zayar-Thaw is a defender with his local soccer club

DARWIN: One of Darwin’s oldest soccer clubs is helping migrants from more than 30 countries settle into life in Australia through football.

The Darwin Olympic Sporting Club, founded by Greek migrants in 1967, has grown into a multicultural club with players, coaches, volunteers and supporters from different parts of the world.

For 15-year-old Kaung Zayar-Thaw, football has played an important role in helping him and his family start a new life after leaving Myanmar.

Football Helps Young Migrant Overcome Difficulties

Kaung first started playing football when he was 13 and living in Thailand.

His family had fled Myanmar after the military coup in 2021. His father, Zaw Zaw Htoo, had been a member of Myanmar’s parliament with the National League for Democracy.

The family made a difficult journey to Thailand and spent several days hiding in a forest because they feared being caught and deported.

After arriving in Thailand, Kaung saw people playing football and became interested in the sport.

“Football is the only thing that helped me get through stuff,” he said.

In 2024, Kaung moved to Australia and joined Darwin Olympic. His teammates helped him improve his English as well as his football skills.

Now 15, Kaung plays as a defender and says football gives him a sense of belonging.

“My teammates help me. I just feel like I belong, and I really like being a part of this Olympic team,” he said.

Darwin Olympic Has Players From More Than 30 Countries

Darwin Olympic was founded in 1967 by Greek migrants who wanted to create a place where their community could come together through football.

Today, the club represents more than 30 nationalities and has become an important part of Darwin’s multicultural community.

Club president Yianni Prouzos said football helps people connect even when they speak different languages.

“Football is the world’s most common language,” he said.

“You come here, you don’t have to speak the same language — you just have to know how to kick the ball and pass the ball.”

Prouzos said migrants also contribute to the club as volunteers, coaches and supporters.

Football Helps Migrant Families Feel at Home

Kaung’s mother, Kyi Nwe Oo, said adjusting to life in Australia has been challenging because of differences in language, culture and food.

However, football has helped the family become part of the local community.

She said taking part in community activities makes the family feel more connected to their new home.

Charles Darwin University senior lecturer Devaki Monani said sport can play an important role in helping migrants build relationships.

She said sporting activities can help break down language and cultural barriers and allow families to connect with others.

Soccer Creates a Sense of Belonging

Football Northern Territory chief executive Jaime Monteith said soccer is often a popular choice for migrants arriving in Australia.

He said football can help newcomers find friends and become involved in the community through playing, coaching, refereeing and volunteering.

For Kaung and his family, Darwin Olympic has become more than just a soccer club. It has helped them build friendships, become part of the community and feel more at home in Australia.

“We are trying our best to look after each other and be welcoming and make this place our home,” Kyi Nwe Oo said.