How refugee soccer star Bidish Chouhan was embraced by the Wodonga Diamonds family

His parents fled the civil war in their native Bhutan and Chouhan grew up in a crowded Nepalese refugee camp.

When the family moved to Australia, five-year-old Bidish didn't speak English.

"I remember being excited to come here but also nervous and sad because we had to leave family behind," he said.

"During the winter months, the refugee camp got pretty cold.

"It was congested, the houses were very small, built from clay and sticks and I remember the narrow pathways.

"When we arrived here, at first, it was pretty difficult but I'd say I was lucky.

"I had a friend in my class who spoke the same language as me and that helped me to make more friends and learn English.

"It's got easier over time and I've made good connections."

Nowhere more so than Wodonga Diamonds Soccer Club, where 16-year-old Chouhan has made his way into the senior team this season.

"I consider Diamonds a family and I wouldn't consider playing anywhere else," he said.

"They make me feel like I'm needed.

"There have been ups and downs this season but our win against Albury City was one of the best feelings.

"It's just euphoria, singing the song with your team-mates.

"I wish it could be like that every weekend."

Diamonds have struggled to string positive results together but Chouhan's performances and attitude have consistently impressed coach Daniel Griffin.

"He's a great kid with a good head on his shoulders," Griffin.

"He's one of the most humble kids you'll ever meet and is genuinely loved among all the players.

"Everyone's got a lot of time for him and his ability on the field, for someone his age, is scary.

"He's forever got time on the ball, he doesn't feel pressure and he's got a lot of those attributes which you just can't coach into a player.

"He plays as a central defensive midfielder but he can also switch into that box-to-box role.

"He's really versatile and I'm pretty determined not to let him go."

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Chouhan, who's expected to play for both the seniors reserves during the run-in, brings the same work ethic to the soccer field as he displays in the classroom.

"My parents remind me not to give up, not to lose hope and always work hard to achieve my dreams," he said.

"I'd like to be a paramedic.

"My dad is a nurse and he's already given me some idea of what it would be like and that's excited me.

"At the moment, doing four sciences is pretty tough but hopefully it'll be worth it."

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