After a long and perilous journey, 18-year-old Aljuma from The Gambia has settled in the Greek mountain town of Kalavryta, where his personality, work ethic, and soccer talent have earned him the love and respect of the local community.

In an interview with SKAI TV, the former member of The Gambia’s Under-17 national soccer team recounted leaving home following the loss of his parents at age 16. His journey first led him to the shores of Turkey, then across to the island of Samos. He eventually settled in a Red Cross facility for unaccompanied minors in Kalavryta.

Before long, his soccer skills caught the attention of A.E. Kalavryta, the town’s amateur team with a seven-decade-long history. Aljuma began training, and after a year of coordinated efforts by the Red Cross, local authorities, and the Hellenic Football Federation, he joined A.E. Kalavryta as their goalkeeper. In October, with his residency status finalized, Aljuma became a legal resident of Greece, officially securing his place on the team. In addition, he began working at the Kalavryta Cooperative, which produces many of the region’s famous dairy products.

Officials at A.E. Kalavryta and members of the Kalavryta Cooperative speak highly of Aljuma. During another interview with SKAI TV, he also told of the warm welcome he receives from the people of Kalavryta, who often greet him on the street to ask how he is doing. “I say, yes, everything is fine,” he remarked with a big, happy smile.

Cover Photo Credit: SKAI