Craig Foster
Former Socceroo, SBS Chief Football Analyst and Ambassador of The Big Issue
Career History:
As a player, Craig Foster started his football career with National Soccer League clubs Adelaide City and Marconi Fairfield. He made 29 appearances as an Australian Socceroo (1996-2000), once as captain and continued his leadership streak as club captain at Crystal Palace FC in the UK and skipper of the National Soccer League side, Northern Spirit FC
Craig has been a key member of SBS’s weekly football program,The World Game since 2002 and is a columnist on the accompanying website of the same name, and for the Sun Herald. Craig can also be seen presenting Sport for World News Australia, Sunday through to Thursday evenings.
In 2008 Craig was an official ambassador and the host at the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Melbourne Homeless World Cup, which saw more than 50 countries participate in the week-long event held at Melbourne’s Federation Square and Birrarung Marr.
Following the 2008 Melbourne Homeless World Cup Craig continues to work as an Ambassador for The Big Issue, promoting the work of the Community Street Soccer Program nationally and recognising sport as a catalyst for transforming the lives of homeless and marginalised Australians.
How did you originally hear about The Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer Program?
I was contacted by Street Soccer National Coach George Halkias. George is an inspirational driving force behind the utilisation of football to rebuild broken lives and his passion and humanity got me hooked!
What were your reasons for wanting to become an Ambassador of the Community Street Soccer Program?
I believe in the power of football to bring second chances to those that need it, and have seen first hand how those involved in this outstanding program are encouraged to reclaim their right to live freely and with hope. Anyone who sees the results first hand is a convert.
What does your role as an Ambassador involve and what have been some of the highlights?
I have had the opportunity, privilege actually, to meet the participants at some of the program’s national and state camps, at the farewell of the Street Socceroos heading offshore to the Homeless World Cup and of course at the Homeless World Cup in Melbourne 2008 - an amazing event which showcased in a very real and raw way just what football can do to change the world, one person at a time.
How does football (soccer) assist in changing the lives of homeless and marginalised people around the world?
Football is a conduit through which marginalised and disadvantaged people, often without hope and in an awful cycle of negativity, can find a path to a new life. They meet others and start to interact, they build meaningful friendships which are necessary to have something to live for, and they find the simple pleasure of playing football is something which they can rely on, which sustains them, brings positive benefits all through their life, and begins the long process of rehabilitation. No other game has this power.
You were an official ambassador and the host at the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Melbourne Homeless World Cup? How did this compare with other world class sporting events you have been involved with?
This was a very powerful event which was extraordinary in its ability to change lives. Over 50 nations came together with one common language – football and one common goal – to improve their lives. It was all incredibly moving and the tournament was a stunning success.
What advice do you have for our Street Socceroos heading to Milan to represent Australia at the 2009 Homeless World Cup?
That it’s not just about winning, there can, after all, only be one first place. It’s about competing and pushing yourself to find new resources of courage and stamina, to be a part of a team and feel the pleasure of winning or losing with a group of players you sacrifice for. It’s about doing something for your own life to try and improve your circumstances. This is what makes a true champion.