A community football club in Yeronga, founded by Salvadoran refugees in the late 1980s, continues to promote inclusion and multicultural connection through sport.
Salvadoran Roots Behind Yeronga Eagles
Yeronga Eagles Football Club began in the late 1980s. It was formed by Salvadoran refugees who had fled civil war in El Salvador and resettled in Brisbane.
They started the club to stay connected to their culture and to build a sense of community in a new country. Resources were limited, but the club grew through shared effort and commitment. Its foundation was not built on wealth or status, but on values like family, service, and hard work. These continue to define the club today.
Growth Driven by Volunteers and Inclusion
The club joined the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) system in 2022. Since then, it has earned three consecutive promotions.
This success has come through the efforts of dedicated volunteers. Many are children and grandchildren of the original founders. They continue to run programs, maintain facilities, and support players across all levels.
While the club honours its Salvadoran origins, it now welcomes members from many cultural backgrounds. Football has become a shared language. Players connect through teamwork, not through words or background.
Refugee Week Connection and Relevance
Refugee Week 2025 was held from 15 to 21 June. This year’s theme was Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community. It celebrated Australia’s history of welcoming refugees and the communities that support them.
Since the end of World War II, Australia has accepted over 985,000 refugees. Many have built new lives through local initiatives such as community sport.
Yeronga Eagles is one such example. It reflects how refugee-founded clubs can become long-standing, inclusive institutions.
Football Helping New Arrivals Settle
Yeronga Eagles offers structured football programs for men, women, and juniors. These programs support development and participation for all skill levels. For many new arrivals, clubs like Yeronga offer more than just sport. They provide routine, belonging, and a pathway to settle into Australian life.
The club has become multicultural but has stayed rooted in its Salvadoran identity. This balance sets an example for other migrant communities starting similar journeys.
Club’s Future Built on Community Effort
Yeronga Eagles continues to grow. Its rise in Queensland football is the result of decades of work from volunteers and supporters.
The club’s success is not just about matches or trophies. It represents the power of community, tradition, and sport working together.
As Refugee Week highlights contributions made by refugees, Yeronga Eagles stands out. It shows how local sport can bring people together and support long-term inclusion.
Published 29-July-2025
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