Kamal Ibrahim established the One Ball sporting program responding to his personal Australian immigration experience aiming to assist others integrate into our culturally rich society so they too can make a contribution.
Kamal migrated to Australia from war-torn Ethiopia in 2003. At that time he spoke no English and found it very difficult establishing a new life in a foreign country. He turned to his passion, football as a way of communicating and connecting to his new community. His tremendous sporting skill was soon noticed by many as he was embraced, supported and welcomed helping him create a new homeland.
Kamal has recently established the non-profit program, One Ball which aims to improve the health and well-being of participants, particularly vulnerable youth through soccer, in partnership with other organisations and the communities in which they live.
The One Ball program has gained the support of Football Federation Victoria, Port Phillip City Council, Port Melbourne Soccer Club, Ice Cream Venezia and Zeus Apparel.
Kamal Ibrahim is a local resident of Port Melbourne who currently plays with the elite NPL senior Port Melbourne Soccer Club team. He is honoured in the clubs Hall of Champions due to his contributions;
- Playing A-League with Melbourne Heart and representing Australia on 18 occasions
- Winning the National Premiers League’s 2015 Victorian Gold Medal as well as the league’s Best and Fairest award
He recently signed for the 2019 season for his second season with the Sharks following a very good 2018 season where the team finished top six. He is a quick and dynamic winger who often shows his versatility successfully playing a central role, contributing to his team’s achievements.
One Ball with Kamal’s energetic involvement has grown since August 2018 to involve over 30 children, boys and girls from the ages of seven year olds and above. In preparation for the 2019 season the children received branded playing kits and quickly changed to proudly display their skills out on the pitch.
With the help of other organisations Kamal plans are to grow this weekly program into a supportive operation that benefits our Australian society and makes our unique country truly lucky.
