Family's net gain from KidSport
Soccer is much more than a hobby for Ahmed Mohamed Ali.
The 16-year-old Langford boy spends endless hours training, playing, umpiring or coaching the world's most popular sport.
"I have liked soccer since I was a kid and it is what I want to do when I grow up - I want to play professionally," he said.
The Langford Islamic College student travelled to China last year with Canning Soccer Club.
Ahmed is not the only one in his family hooked on sport. He has seven brothers and sisters, five of whom belong to sporting clubs.
Their mother Halima Mubarak said the State Government's KidSport program helped fund her children's active pursuits.
The $10 million program provides families with vouchers to go towards sporting club fees.
"I have three girls and three boys who all play two sports each," Ms Mubarak said.
"It (KidSport) is very helpful, not just for us, KidSport helps a lot of families."
Since KidSport started in 2011, more than 35,500 vouchers have been handed out. This year, 4000 vouchers have been distributed.
Ahmed is also an ambassador for the State Government's Communicare Active Together program, which encourages sport participation among culturally and linguistically diverse people.
Information about KidSport is available at dsr.wa.gov.au.
