By Jenny Shahin | Jan. 13, 2024
In the world of soccer, age can be considered a barrier, but for Robin Zirwanda, it became an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream and make history.
Zirwanda represented Australia at World Cup 70+, the world’s largest international soccer tournament for players over the age of 70, hosted this year in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The team won the bronze medal, Australia’s first at the World Cup 70+. Robin led all scorers on the team.
“The experience left a lasting impact, providing me with a sense of achievement and fulfillment,” Zirwanda said. “The camaraderie among players from different countries and the joy of playing soccer in our 70s created a unique bond among teammates.”
Growing up in Iraq, Zirwanda recalls soccer deeply ingrained in his childhood. His father, a celebrated goalkeeper for the Assyrian team in Habbaniyah, instilled a love in him for the sport. Zirwanda remembers sneaking away from the house to play matches with other kids.
His passion followed his migration to Australia at the age of 16, where he said he was recruited by a professional club. But the allure of playing soccer for the Assyrian community led to him joining a newly formed community team. This decision marked a turning point, and he explained how it redirected him away from a potential professional career.
Soccer has since remained a constant in his life. The sport became a source of solace during the coronavirus pandemic, he said.
Zirwanda went on to join Australia’s 55+ team and later the 70+ team, nicknamed the Oldyroos, as the sole Assyrian representative.
It was important to maintain fitness ahead of the tournament, and Zirwanda emphasized eating a balanced diet and practicing mental resilience, including visualizing game scenarios, following pre-match routines, and building friendships with teammates that he stressed would play an important role in their success.
Wearing the green and gold for Australia was a privilege and honor, he said, and represented missed opportunities in his youth. Zirwanda envisions a future where more senior Assyrians participate in soccer tournaments, and proposed forming an Assyrian 70+ team to compete in future World Cups.
