Rodrigues Niyongere is a Para-athlete and coach who transforms lives through the power of football. Born with cerebral palsy and migrating from Burundi as a child, Rodrigues found belonging and hope in football. Today, he pays that gift forward by using the sport as a tool for inclusion, confidence and joy through his work at Football Futures Foundation.
Rodrigues mentors children and young people at risk of social exclusion ensuring everyone feels valued, capable and proud of who they are. His story shows that barriers can become bridges, and that football can be more than a game; it can be a pathway to belonging and opportunity. He has been recognised with the Football West David Cantoni Award for Excellence in 2024 and the City of Bayswater Young Citizen of the Year Award 2025.
As a Para-footballer, Rodrigues has represented Western Australia at national championships. Through football, his dream is to ensure all young people, no matter their background or ability, are included.