It’s why the region’s governing body has recently decided to kick-off it’s own Refugee Soccer Program, with the aim of connecting people of different cultures and backgrounds in the community.

The 10-week program incorporates football and educational sessions, which includes information on employment and the Australian health system. It hopes to help the participants integration into the Illawarra community become easier.

“The overall aim is to use football as a tool to engage people from refugee backgrounds,” Football South Coast chief executive Ann-Marie Balliana said.

“This creates belonging, reduces social isolation, encourages good physical health and mental health and allows the participants to make new friends and bring positive changes to their lives”.

The program reached it’s midway point this month.