Silver – a grade six student and multi-talented sporting all-rounder – has been selected in the School Sport Victoria 12-and-under state soccer team to play in national championships in Perth in August.

Silver’s selection in the Victorian team comes after she was introduced to soccer less than three years ago when her family arrived in Australia having previously lived in a refugee camp in Thailand for 13 years.

Silver – whose favourite position is striker – was last year the youngest member of a local Karen Refugee girls’ soccer team, winning the best player for her team in a Karen tournament that brought together teams from all over Australia.

This year she’s playing with the Golden City under-12s, with coach Don Thompson describing Silver as an incredible natural talent.

As well as being a rising soccer star, Silver has also represented Kennington primary in football, basketball, volleyball and athletics.

“Silver has pushed herself to do her best in all things and shows incredible perseverance,” Kennington Primary School’s English as an Additional Language teacher Michele Chng said. 

“She is grateful for the life she has in Australia and wants to inspire other girls to reach their potential.”

The trip to Perth costs $2300, with the school hopeful of being able to attract financial assistance for Silver and her family.

Anyone who would like to make a financial contribution can make a donation at Kennington Primary School or contact 5443 2011 for more information.