Daniel Campbell: Coffs Harbour to Australian Pararoo
Pararoo star Daniel Campbell is making huge strides in the football world. The Coffs Harbour talent has cerebral palsy, and his journey to the top is as remarkable as it is inspiring:
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From Ethiopia to the shores of Coffs Harbour and eventually to the USA – Daniel Campbell, 19, is kicking goals for the Australian Paralympic football team.
Daniel was adopted at five months of age and came to Coffs Harbour with his new loving parents.
At that very same age, he started playing football and discovered a love for the game.
His goal was always to represent Australia, and he described wearing the green and gold as a “special honour”.
“It was always a dream to play for my country – it’s a dream come true,” Daniel said.
His cerebral palsy affects both of his legs – but it has never stopped him from achieving.
“Football has been a big outlet for me, particularly when I was younger,” he said.
Most of his friends during his time at Coffs Harbour wouldn’t have known he had the condition: Daniel was more focused on quietly achieving his targets.
“It was hard to balance and jump in my legs, but football gave me a framework to help with those skills,” he said.
Motivated by his passion for football and the hard-work he had to put in for his condition, Daniel hopes his story encourages those with disabilities to reach high.
“It’s made me realise you can do anything and it doesn’t matter if you have a disability,” he said.
Known for his ‘football brain’, Daniel can read the game well, and is composed beyond his years with a great passing range.
He’s now using this understanding and love for the sport to coach other teams.
Daniel’s entire life has changed thanks to his pursuits, having been able to travel the world and forge like-minded friendships for life.
At age 15, he made his debut for the Pararoos in the USA.
“It was an insane experience putting on the green and gold,” he said.
In 2019, he was awarded Young Pararoo of the Year, a recognition for his dedication.
Developing his game in Coffs Harbour, Daniel made the most of community football.
“My club and rep teams in Coffs taught me all the basics and skills on and off the pitch from the coaches,” he said.
Daniel now wants to see more development and support for sportspeople with disability.
“I wouldn’t say there’s enough pathways but I’m hoping in the future there will be,” he said.
His journey to the top didn’t come easy, but football gave him the platform to build strength, confidence and the attributes needed to succeed.
“It’s given me a sense of worth, home, friendships and family,” Daniel said.
He said physiotherapy and training sessions have helped him deal with cerebral palsy.
Now residing in Sydney – he balances work, coaching and a busy social life with three trainings and gym sessions each week.
In the future, he hopes to visit his birth country Ethiopia and wants to continue progressing as a sport star.
“I would love to win a trophy for Australia,” he said.
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