Aspiring footballer Kelemen Dominic, 16, has received the first ever fully funded Olympiacos Melbourne Euro pro trip after being identified by one of their European counterparts.
Kelemen has been part of the Olympiacos Melbourne Football Philanthropy for 2 years. After arriving as a refugee from South Sudan 5 years ago with his siblings, Kelemen sought to build a new life in Australia.
Keleman joined the Olympiacos Melbourne Helping Kids Football Centre. It was a perfect blend for him to improve via his love for soccer whilst combining it with finding a place of refuge and peace. This assisted his ability to regain self-confidence, whilst tuning his skills.
Throughout this period, Kelemen’s confidence blossomed, as he experienced great care and nurturing from his coaches who would never give up on him. Upon completion of the Helping Kids Football Centre, Kelemen continued to the Football Improvement Centre. He continued through the Olympiacos Melbourne football initiatives until finishing the junior Euro pathway, where he was identified by the European scout.
The staff at St John’s Reginal College, where Olympiacos Melbourne conducts operations and where Kelemen is a student, had this to say about Kelemen:
“Since beginning with us at St John's Regional College, Kelemen has been nothing short of a wonderful role model for all our students.”, said Shelley. “He has a friendly and cheerful disposition and is often seen with a big smile on his face. Kelemen threw himself straight into all aspects of the College, being selected as a House Student Representative for his year level and representing the College at interschool Cross Country (where he set a record for his age group) … His can-do attitude and maturity will see him achieve great things in the future. We are so proud of Kelemen.”
Olympiacos Melbourne is extremely proud of Kelemen, not only for his achievements on the football field but also for his positive attitude off the field. He is a person who always smiles and is grateful for every opportunity he has been given, especially this one which will undoubtedly change his life for the better.
Kelemen has received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity whereby he has received an all-expenses paid trip to Portugal. On arrival, the Olympiacos Melbourne European representative will spend the first week assisting Kelemen to adjust from the flight as well as prepare for his training.
In the following weeks, Kelemen will train with youth players at some of Europe’s best football academies. Players who excel at these academies are given the opportunity to play European Champions League games at a young age, allowing their player biography to excel exponentially.