Mentor Nelly Yoa says Apex gang members feel ‘left out’ of community

A MAN who mentors youths, including Apex gang members, blames a rise in gang crime on two factors.

Nelly Yoa says Apex gang members feel left out in the community and have no choice but to turn to crime. Picture: David Smith

A DANDENONG man who mentors youths, including Apex gang members, says a lack of parental supervision and community support is to blame for an escalation in gang-related activities.

Professional soccer player Nelly Yoa, who was seriously injured in a machete attack in Braybrook five years ago after stepping in to stop a fight, said he tracked down some of the youths involved in the Moomba riots after recognising them in TV footage.

“I sat with them and their families in their houses and got a few to surrender themselves,” he said.

“The main thing I found was convincing them they needed to turn their life around, in terms of putting their future employment in jeopardy if they continue what they’re doing.”

Mr Yoa believes many of the gang members felt “left out” in the community.

“They are being rejected from jobs, they aren’t getting the family support around them,” he said.

“The alternative is crime.”

Mr Yoa, 27, said many gang members were living with only one parent.

“They have been left to be raised by a single parent and they are missing someone to look up to, such as a father or mother figure,” he said.

“There isn’t anyone to discipline them or tell them what’s right or wrong.”

Nelly Yeo in 2012, with the scar from the vicious attack.

He said it was important they were encouraged to pursue their dreams, whether that’s through school or sport.

Mr Yoa features in a 15-minute documentary detailing his recovery from the machete attack and resurrection of his soccer career, which is expected to screen on Channel 7 or 9 shortly.

The injuries he suffered were horrific, slashed on the elbow, the wrist and several times on the knee, which resulted in 13 days in hospital, 170 stitches and several broken bones in 2011.

RELATED: Nelly Yoa’s soccer dreams shattered by machete attack

“I was told if the cut had been any deeper, I would’ve been permanently paralysed,” Mr Yoa said.

He has since trialled with Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers and had professional stints in England, Malta, Vietnam and China. This year he has been offered trials at Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar.

He said he had been approached by the South Sudanese national team, but wants to be a Socceroo.

“I’m pretty sure anyone can relate to this feel-good story regardless of what walk of life you’re from,” he said.

“The key message is to never give up and follow your dream no matter what.”

Originally published as Mentor Nelly Yoa says Apex gang members feel ‘left out’ of community