Port Kembla Under 18’s squad member Lachlan Rowe, 15, made it his goal to collect soccer balls and equipment to take to the Fruits of Hope Academy in Kigali.

He wanted to teach soccer clinics to his African peers as a way to steer them towards a positive past-time.

“It was cool; they had nothing but they’re the happiest people,” Lachlan said.

“I learned for be grateful for what we do have.”

The Illawarra Christian School student traveled abroad in February with his father Scott, who has been working on sustainability projects in the area.

It culminated in a public soccer game in which around 1500 turned out “in their Sunday best” to watch.

The pair were extremely grateful for their home community for reaching out to help source equipment for the trip.