Refugee AFL Program
A new AFL coaching program has been created to help young refugees feel more connected to their community. It's already been hailed a success by AFL representatives and community leaders. But one amazing young girl sees it as more than just fun. She sees it as her ticket to the big time.
She's known as the Afghani Axe! Tearing up and down the field, breaking through the pack and kicking goals! So it's hard to believe that just two years ago 10-year-old Zimra had never even heard of AFL, let alone picked up a footy!
ZIMRA: I had no idea what it was and I had no idea how to kick the ball.
Zimra and her family left Afghanistan in 2014, because it became too dangerous there. They ended up settling in Toowoomba, Queensland, as refugees.
Zimra learnt about AFL when she joined a program run by her local church. It teaches refugee kids to play the game and helps them make new friends.
ZIMRA: It was really good meeting lots of other people and different kinds of people, they were really friendly and encouraging. I'm more confident than I was before.
It didn't take long for Zimra to work out her favourite part of the game!
ZIMRA: When I saw it was tackling, rough game I started liking it. It's good playing with boys, yeah you tackle them hard and you're rough with them!
When she started playing, some kids did have a few questions about her hijab, but Zimra was happy to fill them in.
ZIMRA: It was a little bit weird for them. But they were asking me what is it and then I said it was a part of our culture, and yeah, they were like are you hot in this and I'm like nah I'm not. They used to it now!
Now she plays as a midfielder in the region's representative squad and shes become a bit of a self-confessed footy fanatic!
ZIMRA: My favourite team is Adelaide Crows, I like them cause of Eddie Betts, he's really good, he's like a magician - he can kick goal from anywhere! I just love him, he's my ideal.
Zimra's even attracted the attention of AFL scouts who reckon she could have a bright future in the game.
KEITH WEBB, AFL REGIONAL MANAGER: She's obviously very talented. She's one of the young athlete's coming through who just lives and breathes the game.
ZIMRA: I wanna play in my future and I wanna be professional, so I have to work hard to get that level.
No matter what happens, Zimra will always have her biggest fan on the sidelines. Even if that fan hasn't quite worked out the rules yet!
ZIMRA'S MUM: When they shout, I say did this call ball and he says yeah they call ball or make point and I say ok then I cheer, but I still don't understand the game!
For now, Zimra plans to keep working towards her goal of kicking goals! And hanging out with her friends on the field.
ZIMRA: It means a lot to me, I just love playing it. I love running and yeah it's my passion.
- Amelia Moseley | Reporter
- Afghan refugee Zimra Hussain, 10, finds passion in AFL after moving to Toowoomba: ABC News | weblink
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