From Refugee to Soccer Star: The Club That Helped Irankunda
Topic: Soccer
Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:58 am
Nestory Irankunda played for the Northern Wolves Soccer Club in Adelaide's north as a junior.
It has been years since Nestory Irankunda played at the Northern Wolves, but it is the club where Australia's latest soccer star first got his start.
The pitches are bright at night with groups of girls and boys playing soccer.
Agostino Bivone coached Nestory Irankunda when he was young and remembers him as a cheeky but respectful kid.
Bivone did many jobs at the club when Irankunda played there as a junior.
Agostino Bivone coached Nestory Irankunda as a child.
Bivone was happy and cried when he saw Irankunda score a goal in a game.
Irankunda did not just score at the World Cup, but he became the youngest Socceroo to do it.
Nestory Irankunda celebrates with Mo Toure after scoring a goal.
Bivone does not think he did much to help Irankunda.
But Susana Hamenyimana, Irankunda's sister, says Bivone helped their family.
The Northern Wolves train in Adelaide's north.
Irankunda's family loves the Northern Wolves Soccer Club.
The club helped Irankunda's family with soccer fees.
The Northern Wolves Soccer Club is where Irankunda started to show his talent.
Irankunda's sister was surprised by his soccer skills when she saw him play.
The Northern Wolves Soccer Club has teams for boys and girls.
Young players want to be like Irankunda.
On a winter night, kids play soccer at the Northern Wolves Soccer Club.
Irankunda only played at the Northern Wolves for a season.
Kids at the club look up to Irankunda.
Joshua wants to become a soccer player like Irankunda.
Irankunda's success inspires younger players.
Irankunda was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania.
Another young soccer player, Bennie, has parents from Burundi.
Bennie feels proud to see Irankunda play for Australia.
Irankunda still visits his northern suburbs roots.
Nestory Irankunda plays for Adelaide United.
Irankunda meets with other Burundian boys to train.
Joshua met Irankunda at his house.
Joshua was shocked to see Irankunda at his house.
Irankunda had a big impact on the Northern Wolves Soccer Club.
Joshua was too shocked to talk to Irankunda.
Many kids at the club want to be like Irankunda.
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The next Irankunda?
Kids at the club think they can be the next Irankunda.
The club thinks Fares Alboasi could be the next big player.
Fares Alboasi wants to play for Australia.
Fares has kicked 50 goals this season.
Fares feels proud to play at the same club as Irankunda.
Fares wants to play for Australia and his favorite club, Liverpool.
Irankunda's success gives Fares hope.
The Wolves compete in the South Australian Amateur Soccer League.
Family ties
Many people at the club are related to Irankunda.
Herman Itangakubuntu is related to Irankunda and watched the game with his family.
Herman's family was very emotional during the game.
The family was speechless during the game.
Ishmael wants to play for Adelaide United like Irankunda.
Ishmael wants to play for bigger teams after Adelaide United.
Some family members did not know Irankunda played at the club.
Ella Freeman did not know she played at the same club as Irankunda.
Ella wants to be a soccer player, but also has other plans.
Ella wants to discover things in the ocean.
Agostino Bivone has been involved with the club for years.
The club is proud of players like Irankunda.
Australia gives people opportunities to achieve their goals.
ABC Sport will cover Australia's game against the US.
Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:58 am
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