The Big Issue Community Street Soccer Program (CSSP) uses weekly soccer training sessions as a mechanism to engage people who may be homeless and/or disadvantaged and reconnect them with the community. Our vision is that all people should have the opportunity to positively change their lives through sport.
We are a national network of 25 programs located in disadvantaged communities across the country. Together, we have engaged almost 4,000 people since 2003. Our mission is to help people change their own lives and create healthier communities.
Every week, over 400 participants attend our programs around the country. They have fun, make friends and most importantly, work towards achieving their own personal goals and improving their own lives.
Our Street Soccer volunteers are an incredible group of people. They enrich our programs by creating a positive atmosphere at training. They mentor our participants; bake cakes for players’ birthdays, run special fitness sessions, referee at special events and much more. Without them, much of the work that we do would not be possible.
“The impact volunteers can make plays an extremely valuable role in creating positive change for our participants. Anyone can make a difference!” Victoria Boag, National Street Soccer Manager.
“I gained my first aid certificate through my full-time job; working in hotels. It’s great to be able to use my skills in a different way.” – Maria, hospitality worker and Street Soccer volunteer
“I love coming down to this program because everyone here loves participating and it’s a real team atmosphere...” – Sally, Womens Street Soccer volunteer.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
There are many great reasons to volunteer with the Community Street Soccer program
- You’ll get to meet amazing, inspirational people every week
- You’ll be using your skills and knowledge to make a real difference to the lives of many
- It’s a great way to learn new skills and improve your career prospects
- You’ll join a national team of people working towards positively changing peoples’ lives
- It’s hassle-free: your commitment is completely up to you
- It’s FUN!
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?
Anyone over 18 years of age.
HOW CAN YOU VOLUNTEER?
Volunteering at the Community Street Soccer Program is unique – anyone can make a positive difference.
We believe each individual brings their own set of experiences and knowledge to CSSP and makes a unique contribution to the program. Our volunteers help to form their own roles and ways they can make a difference at training, with the help of our program Coaches.
You may be a sports-minded person who loves to run drills, or you may prefer to mentor participants from the sidelines. You may even enjoy putting up our posters at local agencies. How you fit in is up to you – we just make it happen!
INTERESTED?