About us
ABOUT ONE BALL
One Ball is a community program designed for children and young adults aged between (5-17 years of age). The program provides opportunities to all people especially those from CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) backgrounds across Melbourne to play soccer in a social setting.
The soccer-based activities, exercises and games are designed to improve the participants’ fitness and skills, develop their confidence, help them make new friends and foster their sense of belonging.
One Ball strives to support, empower and encourage young people to develop cooperation, self-control, self-discipline, perseverance, respect, integrity and fair play through playing soccer with others and through the mentoring they receive from their coaches.
One Ball also aims to develop positive, cross-cultural relationships by integrating and uniting young people through fun sporting activities – no matter their religion, culture or gender.
Meet The Founder
Kamal Ibrahim was born in Yirga Chefe, Ethiopia, and moved to Australia at the age of 11. Like many young migrants, he arrived without English, without local support, and with plenty of uncertainty. But one thing was clear he loved football.
Football became his way of connecting to others. It gave him confidence, direction, and a sense of belonging in a new country.
At 15, Kamal was selected to play for Australia. At 17, he joined the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). At 18, he signed his first professional contract with Melbourne Heart (now Melbourne City) in the A-League.
He went on to represent Australia 18 times and played across Europe and Asia. Throughout his career, Kamal made history as the first East African to represent Australia, the first East African to play in the A-League, and the first African to win the NPL Victoria Gold Medal for best player.
While football took him far, it’s what it gave him off the pitch that stayed with him most belief, purpose, and community.
In 2017, Kamal founded One Ball, a charity focused on giving young people from all backgrounds the same opportunity football gave him.
One Ball runs free and affordable programs for children and youth across Victoria, using football to build connection, character, and confidence. The organisation works closely with schools, councils, and local partners to ensure every child regardless of background can be part of something bigger.
Kamal’s journey from refugee to professional footballer, and now community leader, continues to inspire thousands of young people across Australia.
“Football gave me a future. One Ball is my way of giving that back.”
OUR MISSION
To provide opportunities for children and young people, especially those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds to play soccer in a safe and inclusive environment
To encourage children and young people to be fit and active, and to support both their physical and psychological health and wellbeing
To foster positive cross-cultural relationships with others, to connect and empower children and young people in making a positive contribution to their community
To support inclusivity and social cohesion by connecting children and young people with their families, our partners and the wider community
To use evidence-based research, technical knowledge, and feedback on the needs of
our participants and players to delivery innovative programs and advocate for
outcomes young people in our communities.
our values
Keeping an Eye on the Ball – We act professionally, ethically and with integrity in all our operations.
The Ball is in our Court – We take ownership of our responsibilities and encourage a culture of accountability
On The Ball – We use a process that ensures rigor, compliance and transparency so that we are known as a Trustworthy organisation.
Side Before Self – We act Respectfully and think of others and the impact of our actions on others
Teamwork makes the Dream Work – we partner with other professionals, research bodies, authorities and social services to create and deliver our services
One Game – we value and Equity and Inclusion across all our programs
why one ball?
Mental health conditions in children and young people are on the rise, and One Ball can help.
Around one in thirty-five young Australians aged four to seventeen experience a depressive disorder.
One in seven young Australians experience a mental health condition.
One in fourteen young Australians (6.9%) aged four to seventeen experience an anxiety disorder.
One in three Australians aged twelve to twenty-five reported high levels of psychological distress - more than three times the rate reported in 2007.
Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
In February 2021, the Victorian Government published the summary and recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. The report describes clearly how children and young people are adversely affected by limited access to services made even harder for those from culturally diverse backgrounds. At One Ball, we recognise the role we can play to build relationships with participants and their families through soccer. Our trusted relationships mean that we can also focus on the promotion of good mental health and wellbeing.
Board Members
Kamal Ibrahim
CEO & Founder
Kamal founded One Ball in 2018 to make football accessible for every child, no matter their background. A former professional footballer who represented Australia at youth level, Kamal understands the power of sport to build confidence, belonging, and opportunity.
As CEO, he leads the organisation’s programs, partnerships, and strategy with a strong focus on community and inclusion. Kamal is passionate about giving young people a safe and positive space to grow on and off the pitch.
Gabby Montagnese
Treasurer
Gabby Montagnese is a highly accomplished leader with an excellent track record in developing and executing strategies and driving positive change, making a real difference in the world.
As a savvy entrepreneur and strategic leader, Gabby has successfully revolutionised many industries. Her all-embracing knowledge of marketing, acquisitions, IT, investments, property development, and start-up businesses has seen her seated on several boards, undertaking multiple respected roles in industry, and building strong, collaborative teams who have led their organisations to sustainable business growth and profit improvement.
Nicole Lam
Secretary
Nicole works in Diversity, Inclusion, Wellbeing and Learning designing and delivering programmes to support people to be their best. Outside of work she loves running and being around people. She also spends a lot of time watching kids sports, driving kids to and from those sports, playing with her Spoodle and hanging out with family and friends. She loves the impact that One Ball makes in the community melding wellbeing and fitness together.
Eugene Henry
Committee Member
Eugene is an accomplished leader with a deep understanding of government regulation, policy development, and business strategy, with experience across both the public and private sectors. His current role at Sport and Recreation Victoria, where he focuses on creating public value in the sport and experience economy, aligns perfectly with One Ball’s mission to empower and engage communities through sport.
Eugene’s passion for placing people at the centre of public value creation makes him a perfect fit for our board. We are excited about the impact we will make together in the lives of young people and communities.
Ambassadors
Trent Sainsbury
Ambassador
Born in Perth, WA, Trent played youth football with @perthgloryfc and @theais_ before starting his professional career with @ccmariners Trent has since represented the Australian national team (@socceroos ) in the AFC Asian Cup, FIFA U20 World Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He has also played in the Dutch Eredivisie, Chinese Super League, Serie A, Swiss Super League, Israeli Premier League and is now playing for @alwakrah_sc Trent shares his passion for our mission, as football gave him discipline, structure, and a gateway to the world. As a sportsman, Trent has shown courage, leadership and perseverance throughout his career, which makes him a fantastic role model for our children and young people. His football journey inspires us all, and we are so excited to have him join our One Ball family!
Thomas Deng
Ambassador
Thomas was born in Kenya and moved to Adelaide, Australia as a child. He began playing football at a young age and went on to play for the Adelaide United youth team before signing with Melbourne Victory in the A-League. Since then, Thomas has become one of the most promising young football talents in Australia. He's represented the country at various youth levels and made his debut for the Socceroos in 2018. He's also been named in the A-League Team of the Season twice and won the Victory Medal in 2018/19!
Before he was born, Thomas' family were forced to flee the conflict in South Sudan. Like many of us, Thomas experienced first-hand the power of football as a universal language that helped him find connection and belonging when he settled in Australia. Thomas' inspiring story of courage and resilience ameks him a fantastic a role model to our children and young people at One Ball.
As a One Ball ambassador, Thomas will be helping us spread the word about our mission to promote diversity, inclusion, and equality in football. We couldn't be more thrilled to have him on our team and we look forward to working together to make a positive impact in the community.
Alex Chidiac
Matildas midfielder and professional footballer, with experience playing at the highest levels in Australia, Europe, and the U.S. Beyond her success on the pitch, Alex is deeply committed to giving back.
She’s passionate about using her platform to create opportunities for young people—especially those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to the game. Her journey in football has shaped who she is, and she’s now focused on helping others find the same sense of purpose, confidence, and community.
As a One Ball Ambassador, Alex plays a key role in championing inclusion and supporting programs that use football to change lives.
