New Balance

When Matthew Wade was dropped from the Australian Cricket team in 2017 he began a carpentry apprenticeship. His time on the tools, and battle with cancer at 16, have made him appreciate how lucky he is to be back playing for his country again.

The media has often portrayed the South Sudanese community in a negative light. Thomas Deng wants to change that.

Emma Checker's path seemed set when she made her Matildas debut at just 16. Since then the Adelaide United captain has battled sexism, injury and even once found herself living with 27 non-English speaking teammates.