``I felt so great when I was chosen,'' Mr Bangao said.

``Going to the games is one of the most important things I want to do.''

Nineteen-year-old Mr Bangao was born in Sierra Leone, later moved to Guinea, and arrived in Australia in 2006.

``My family sent for me because they considered I would get a better education here,'' he said.

Mr Bangao became involved in Football United, a program to interest young refugees in sporting and social activities.

``I co-ordinate the Evans High School team,'' he said.

``It involves young people from different backgrounds who learn more about different cultures.

``When most of the kids come here as refugees there's no one to talk to.

``But when they go to Football United, they start to make friends and learn about other people.''

When Mr Bangao visits South Africa, part of his ambassador's role will be involving young people there in the game.

He said he had always loved soccer, ever since he started playing at the age of three.

He has furthered his interest in young people's interests by studying with Youth Off The Streets.

``I'm training to be a youth worker because I want to help people,'' Mr Bangao said.

``When I came to Australia I saw a lot of young people on the streets and the way they were being treated.

``I don't feel happy about that.

``Most of them need support and we should do something for them.''

Mr Bangao leaves for South Africa on June 28.