Refugees make their mark

Ugandan refugee Scovia Anzoa sees Aussie Rules football as a perfect way to immerse herself in Australian culture.

The 12-year-old emigrated to WA from Uganda in 2003 when her family were seeking a better life.

Last year she became captain of the Butler Falcons – the all girls AFL team that is creating waves in the sport.

The 20 girl squad, made up of refugees from Sudan, Uganda and Mauritania, was selected as ambassadors for Refugee Week – June 15 to 21.

“We came here to have better welfare and a better life. I was mostly into soccer but when they made an AFL team near my house and I decided to join and from that day on I liked AFL,” Anzoa said.

“It’s a friendly game because you meet new people and get a better understanding of Australia.”

Coach Joe Moniodis said the team grew from a multicultural sport program at Butler Community Centre in 2011.

“The team’s purpose was to be the bridge between mainstream and multicultural Australia,” he said.

“These girls are really serious about their AFL and have really taken to it.”

He said the squad, which includes girls aged from 11 to 19, were fantastic role models in the sport and in life.

The Falcons will play at the International Round on July 12 against the Joondalup Youth Girls side.

The team has dominated against other female sides and held their own against male teams.