My dream

I come from a background where growing up we had no money. I grew up in a single parent home and I had to repair the holes in my boots as I couldn’t afford new ones.

Being Indigenous as well I know the struggles and what it’s like to live in those communities where there is a lot of alcohol abuse and domestic violence and all these sorts of things the kids face growing up in their communities.

So, my program wants to give back to the kids that are a bit unfortunate and cannot afford to be a part of these soccer clinics and all those programs that are around these days.

So, I want to be there to help get them off the streets and put them in the right direction. I’ve had a lot of interest from all around Australia with people wanting to be involved with ‘Kickin' with a Cuz’.

I have prominent football people on my board who are supporting my program, so it’s been going very well. It’s about community engagement, so if I do see any talent during my clinics, then I can help kids register with a state league club.

I realise lot of these kids won’t be the next Harry Kewell but it’s about getting the kids off the street and getting them to play sport, and more specifically, football. My goal in 10-15 years time is to see men and women Indigenous players lining up and playing for the Matildas and the Socceroos.

There is so much untapped talent out there. They are just little gold mines waiting to be discovered and all they need is to be given an opportunity to play the round ball game.

As told to Con Stamocostas