Like so many of Sudan’s children orphaned by war and famine, Robel Gebreweld just needed someone to give her a sporting chance to make something of her life.

Shortly after her arrival in Australia in 2011 she found that opportunity in the Whitten Project.

LEARN MORE: Find out more about The Whitten Project.

Using Australian football and the Western Bulldogs as a learning vehicle, the Whitten Project aims to develop leaders of the future.

Robel set about her project task of implementing a football clinic for girls at Mt Alexander College with an enthusiasm to rival the most die-hard Aussie Rules fan.

“I love football. I do my homework in my lunch-time so I don't have to miss practice,” the now 17-year-old who plays women's football for Melbourne University reveals.

“It keeps me active and to me the team is like a family.”

Since completing her football clinic with the Whitten Project, Robel has continued to volunteer as a Level 1 AFL coach with the AFL Victoria summer
program at Sunshine Heights Football Club.

Last week she was named winner of Moonee Valley Council's latest Youth Voice Award for her contribution to community programs through the Whitten Project.