Shared experience enhances healing power of sport | Ahmad Zarar
2025 Multicultural Youth Support Medal, sponsored by the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS)
“When I was young, I dreamed about being a soccer player or a coach,” Ahmad recalls.
“I loved playing, watching, anything to do with the sport.”
Fast-forward 15 years, and Amhad is the coach of the boys’ Under 13s at Melrose Park Football Club in Sydney’s north west. After a shaky start in 2023, he guided the team to a remarkable Division 3 grand final victory in 2024.
Ahmad’s connection to some of these young players goes beyond that of a coach. It’s through shared experience.
Ahmad lost his father at a young age and grew up in the care of an orphanage. In September 2022, before starting his bachelor’s degree in Kabul, Afghanistan, he was granted a humanitarian visa to come to Australia.
Not long into his new life in Sydney, Ahmad was invited by the president of Melrose Park FC, Julie Crane, to come to a picnic with children from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds.
“We all started playing soccer and Julie noticed me giving some of the kids tips on their game,” Ahmad said.
“She asked me if I wanted to coach a team made up mostly of children who had come to Australia as refugees.”
Ahmad wasted no time in getting his coaching accreditation. His dream was soon a reality. After losing their first game 17-0, he quickly turned the team’s fortunes around.
And the success wasn’t just about working on their game. Ahmad sees sport as a tool for healing and building self-esteem.
“It’s comforting for the kids to be around someone who understands their journey,” Ahmad said.
The club supports players through a culturally responsive approach to health and wellbeing. Melrose Park FC youth workers and fellow coaches have noticed significant improvements in the boys’ confidence and social connection since Ahmad has been with the club.
The team’s success has created several opportunities for the young players. They played the opening match for an international that featured the Afghan women’s national team. They’ve also participated in development camps with one of Sydney’s football academies.
On top of his coaching duties, Ahmad has worked hard to make football more accessible for all players. He’s been integral in securing donations of gear like boots and shin pads from other clubs, getting help for kids from families experiencing hardship, and recruiting volunteers.
In 2024, Ahmad was awarded the STARTTS NSW Humanitarian Award (Sport) for his work with the club.
Moving forward, he will also champion the club’s outreach to families from culturally diverse backgrounds to increase participation.
“The club is for everyone,” Ahmad said.
“Last year we had a player that had recently moved here from India, and he was very shy, missing training sessions.”
“I reached out to him to explain that we all have similar journeys, and he is an important part of the team. He’s now enjoying his time playing soccer.”
Ahmad is the winner of Multicultural NSW’s 2025 Youth Support Medal.
