From refugee to Socceroos star: The grassroots club that gave Irankunda a go

Nestory Irankunda, who recently made history as the youngest Socceroo to score at a World Cup, honed his skills at the humble Northern Wolves Soccer Club. Years after his departure, the club remains a vibrant hub where young aspiring footballers, both boys and girls, practice under the lights.

“

There's no words that can describe the amount of happiness that a young kid from the northern suburbs, kicking a ball around, could end up at a World Cup, and scoring at a World Cup.

Agostino Bivone, who coached Irankunda as a junior, remembers him as a talented, respectful, yet cheeky kid. Bivone, like many at grassroots clubs, wore many hats. He expressed immense joy and pride seeing Irankunda score at the World Cup, calling it a dream come true for a young player from the northern suburbs.

“

That's the club that was close, they welcomed us. They also helped us with our soccer fees when our parents couldn't afford it, and that's why we're so thankful for them.

Irankunda's sister, Susana Hamenyimana, highlights the profound impact the Northern Wolves had on their family. She speaks of Bivone's dedication, assisting with transport to games when they lacked it and consistently checking in on their involvement in soccer. The club also provided financial assistance with fees when the family couldn't afford them, earning a permanent place in their hearts.

“

I watched him play once, and was like, 'Woah, what the hell, he's so good'.

Hamenyimana recalls realizing her brother's extraordinary talent at around age eight during a game at the club. Although Irankunda only played for the Northern Wolves for one season in 2015 before moving to other clubs, his success has left an indelible mark. Young players at the club today look up to him, inspired by his journey from a refugee camp to a World Cup star, believing they too can "become like him one day."

“

It seems like we have a future here, we can build up, and become like him one day.