Street Soccer

Community Street Soccer Program

The Big Issue Australia's Community Street Soccer Program uses sport as a mechanism to engage homeless and marginalised people and promote social inclusion

It involves males and females, 16 years and above and varying ability and fitness levels, getting together once a week, training and playing matches.

The heart of the Community Street Soccer Program is weekly training sessions at permanent pitches located in underprivileged communities across Australia, where playing equipment and a dedicated soccer coach are provided.

Participants get fit, make new friends and seek support and advice. Support staff also work closely with players, linking them to services that address their homelessness, substance abuse, family breakdown, grief and loss and mental illness.

Street Soccer values participation over football skills and competition, engaging people who in many cases have given up on counselling and traditional support systems and services.

It puts the person at the centre of the solution and provides them with the support and tools necessary to help themselves make positive changes.

Mission

• To use sport as a means to promote social inclusion and personal change for homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people, creating healthier communities

Outcomes

Attendance at weekly sessions promotes changes for participants, including:

• Improved confidence, self-esteem and mental health
• Improved health and fitness
• A sense of belonging and demonstrating discipline
• Re-connection with family and the community
• Improving their housing situation
• Addressing drug or alcohol dependency
• Seeking support or advice and finding employment

In helping participants achieve these outcomes, the program provides considerable economic benefits by diverting people from hospitals, courts, emergency services and correctional facilities.