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City of Wollongong

portrait of Peete by Sam St Jon

Arrived in 2008.  
Karenni, from Myanmar

I was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and came here at the age of 7. It was hard because I had no English.

The turning point came in Year 5 when I joined the Coniston Soccer Club. I was very nervous as I had only played soccer in the refugee camp with a homemade ball. The coach was really kind and gave my friend and I lifts to the games.

People welcomed me without realising it.

I have met lots and lots of people through soccer - we have a shared passion.

I have learned life lessons from soccer.

If I want to win, I have to train hard.

If I want to be successful in life, I have to work hard.

(Photo by Sam St Jon).