Unable to speak English and surrounded by gun and gang violence, Ally Ali left Somalia for Newcastle in search of a better life.
Sitting at his home in Newcastle, he saw a group playing football on a nearby pitch and decided to join them.
Little did he know this would open a window of opportunities for him in the city.
Now aged 19, Ally is one of nine people sharing their incredible stories as part of the ‘Together We Are Stronger’ campaign.
It aims to tackle extremist and divisive views by celebrating the diverse and inclusive spirit of Newcastle.
Ally, of Benwell, said: “I came to the UK six years ago from Somalia to join my family.
“When I came I knew it was an amazing city because of the way everyone treated each other.
“When I came here I looked out the window and saw a football pitch - that really amazed me.
“Back in Somalia we didn’t have that.
“We had to create our own pitch and travel miles to just play football.
“We had to cut down posts and I was really amazed because everything was there.”
Ally went down to the pitch to join those playing and the rest is history.
“After that I got told about this project the Kicks Foundation and went to play there every Friday and every Saturday as well,” said Ally.
“Through the week I played football like four times a week.
“That was different because in Somalia I used to play once a month and it was hard to play because there were loads of gangs.”
Ally even secured a two-year apprenticeship at Rolls Royce in Tynemouth.
He said: “I was a really shy guy and now I’m really proud and I have confidence.
“On [Newcastle United] match days I’m a flag-bearer as well.
“It makes you experience how it feels to be in front of thousands of people, like being on the pitch holding the flag.”
Ally, who will be studying engineering at Northumbria University in September, said being part of the campaign was a fantastic experience.
He added: “I’m proud to be a Geordie because Geordies are really hardworking lads.”
The campaign - a collaboration between Safe Newcastle and the UK Government’s Building a Stronger Britain Together programme - features nine videos from local heroes.
Each of them have made a contribution to the city, who talk about what it means to be from Newcastle, their pride in the city and their efforts to help their communities.
Launched at Newcastle Civic Centre on Friday, guests also heard from veteran Tommy Lowther, who struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and was close to suicide.
With the support of Help for Heroes, Tommy founded Sporting Force - a charity helping veterans adapt to civilian life.
Another hero, Johurun Nessa, works at the West End Women and Girl’s Centre, which provides support through group work.
Born and raised in the West End, Johurun has been connected to the centre since she was a teenager.
Posters of the local heroes will also be popping up across the city.
Councillor Nick Kemp, chairman of the Safe Newcastle Partnership, believes the campaign shows “the best things about our city - our spirit, our pride, our warmth, our sense of community”.
Also at the launch was Minster for Countering Extremism, Baroness Williams, who said the project is “all about what makes Newcastle great - it’s brilliant people and unique character”.
