Working in The Huddle, 30-year old youth worker Ibrahim Ibrahim has seen the influence Daw has had on the local community.
“Having role models like Majak Daw helps these kids realise that if they work hard, commit themselves and focus, they can get to the professional level in any field,” Ibrahim told NMFC.com.au.
“Some of these kids might not see it’s a reality for them to become a professional athlete but when they can relate to someone like Majak, someone of a similar background to them, it gives them the edge to work harder to try make it all the way.
“It’s not just for sport, whether it’s education, or a professional career in anything… and not only for the younger kids but it encourages their older brothers and sisters, even parents who think they’re too old to do something or it’s too late for them. They’ll realise anything is possible.”
Playing a big part in The Huddle’s drop-in basketball program every Friday night, which welcomes young boys and girls from the surrounding area, Ibrahim, who moved to Australia from Sudan at the age of eight hopes to have a similar impact to Daw.
“The age group of 13-16 don’t really have anywhere to go and not many people to look up to so it’s easy for them to get off track and get into trouble.
"That’s why it’s making me excited to work in The Huddle, to help them.
“What we aim to do is reach out to these communities and make them aware of the programs and opportunities available in The Huddle. Having me here, the other Huddle workers and players like Majak who come in to visit, we can relate to the kids and make it even easier for them.
“All these local boys are very comfortable to come here now; they feel like it’s theirs."
Ibrahim has generously volunteered his time with The Huddle since 2012, on top of his already busy schedule working for the Flemington and Moonee Valley Community Centres and the Flemington Lions Soccer Club.
“I grew up in this area so I know what most of these kids are going through, what they do have and what they don’t have. It makes it easy for me to relate to them and communicate with them. I can help show them what programs and services are available to them.”
Of Eritrean decent, Ibrahim’s journey to Australia via Egypt has given him a passion for helping others feel 'at home' in Melbourne.
“Sport is very important for these kids. Living in Flemington around the housing estate, they live in Melbourne but they’re not really exposed to as many different cultures and the different ways of life which we have in Australia,” he added.
“The programs The Huddle run help out a lot to teach kids how to deal with different people they’re playing with, even their coaches, teachers etc. It’s not just the kids going to have fun playing footy or any kind of sport, they’re learning lessons that they’ll take with them for the rest of their lives.”
Ibrahim recently won the Spirit of Moonee Valley award for his selfless hard work and dedication to help improve the lives of others in his community.
You can support the work of The Huddle by purchasing a membership which provides supporter packs and tickets to children in the club’s target areas around North Melbourne, Wyndham, Ballarat and Tasmania.
Visit The Huddle page to get involved and for more information.
