Street Soccer News

SENATORS SCORE NEW GOALS TO CLAIM STREET SOCCER TITLE

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:06:59 +1100

The Federal Government may be throwing their full support behind Australia’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup but this morning they braved an early start to show their support for a football program of another kind… supporting homeless and marginalised Australians.

The Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer Program in Canberra celebrated its first anniversary at Parliament House this morning with a series of round-robin soccer matches, played between participants of the program, Australia’s top Federal politicians and newest A-League recruit Kamal Ibrahim.

Four teams made up of members of the Senate, House of Representatives and Parliamentary staff attended the milestone for the Community Street Soccer Program, which uses the power of sport as a catalyst to transform the lives of homeless and marginalised people across Australia.

The Community Street Soccer Program team beat the House of Representatives team in the third place play-off, while Senate team defeated the mixed Parliamentary team for first place, taking out the major trophy. The highlight of competition was the presentation of the Fair Play Award, presented by the Minister for Housing, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, to the Street Soccer player that showed true commitment to their team mates and to improving their lives through their actions on the pitch.

Minister Plibersek said it was an honour to take part in the event and praised The Big Issue for their Community Street Soccer Program that works to change the lives of homeless people and people at risk of homelessness.

“Street Soccer engages people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness and provides a unique way for them to connect to support services, helping them to move out of homelessness and back into the community,” Minister Plibersek said.

“Today was a great opportunity to pay special tribute to these men and women who everyday commit to positively changing their lives through their involvement with the Community Street Soccer Program.”

Minister for Finance and Deregulation, The Hon Lindsay Tanner MP, played in this morning’s competition on the House of Representatives team and honoured The Big Issue for organising the special occasion.

“Australia loves its sport, but today’s event was more than just another sporting event.

“As a Federal member of Parliament it was a great honour to get the opportunity to have a kick with a group of men and women that are not only passionate about their sport but also passionate about turning their lives around.”

The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said this morning’s event was an absolute success and showcased both the life changing work of these incredible men and women, as well as the overwhelming support the program enjoys from all levels of the Australian community.

“Following the Federal Government’s agreement with The Big Issue in 2008 to support Phase 1 of the Community Street Soccer Program by providing $3 million over three years, it has made us so very proud to see the expansion of Street Soccer across Australia, changing lives and building healthy communities.

“The support of the Federal Government is instrumental in ensuring the Community Street Soccer Program can reach into the most disadvantaged and under-privileged areas of Australia, delivering lasting legacies of support for homeless and marginalised people.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this wonderful celebration, and I look forward to seeing this event continue for years to come”.

In 2007, The Big Issue Australia launched the Community Street Soccer Program, which uses the power of sport as a catalyst to transform the lives of homeless and marginalised people across the country

The Federal Government, under Minister Kate Ellis, entered an agreement with The Big Issue in 2008 to support Phase 1 of the Community Street Soccer Program by providing $3 million over three years which in turn has seen the program roll out across the country to 30 sites, engaging approximately 3000 participants every week.

The program uses sport as a catalyst for transforming lives by re-connecting people with the community and providing them with a real sense of purpose and belonging. Most critically, it gives them a great boost in self-esteem and a vision for a brighter future.

The heart of the Community Street Soccer Program is weekly training sessions at permanent pitches located in underprivileged communities across Australia, where males and females, of all ages and varying ability and fitness levels, get together – train and play matches.

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

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.

As the program continues to expand, providing tangible benefits to society and proving to be a highly effective and low cost initiative with extremely high social impact, a submission to fund the ongoing legacy of the Community Street Soccer Program is currently lodged with the Federal Government.

Phase 2 of The Community Street Soccer Program will see the adoption of key learnings from Phase 1 and the introduction of additional sites, catering for up to 4,800 participants, four additional multi-purpose pitches and more specialist programs for women, Indigenous Australians, refugees and in Corrections Facilities.

Street Socceroos winning the hearts of the World

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:57:29 +1100

While they have only won two out of their five games so far, Australia’s Street Socceroos are winning the hearts of spectators at the 2009 Milan Homeless World Cup.

After showing off the Australian and Aboriginal flags at the Homeless World Cup Opening Ceremony the 2009 Street Socceroos then went on to win their first match of the tournament against Canada, 3-2.

Although they went on to post two losses the following day the feeling from inside the Homeless World Cup camp is one of camaraderie and enthusiasm from the Australian Street Socceroos.

"The team are having a great time and enjoying every moment, win or lose," Street Socceroos Coach George Halkias said.

“And the spectators from all over the world are falling in love with our guys.

“Their smiles, enthusiasm and good sportsmanship are definitely crowd pleasers.”

Reports from Milan are describing Queensland’s Street Socceroo, Beau Tyson, as “pulling off lightning-quick reflexive saves with excited, Rocky Balboa-style jumps and skyward fist pumps”.

“All of the players have so much energy and are giving their heart and soul in each match,” Halkias said.

“We head into Day 4 (Wednesday) with a game against Argentina so it will be sure to be fast and furious.

“Win or lose it doesn’t matter though. We are giving it our all, wearing our hearts on our sleeves and hopefully doing Australia proud.”

Follow the 2009 Street Socceroos on twitter www.twitter.com/thebigissue

A match schedule, match reports and live results are available at www.homelessworldcup.org

Australia Names Team To Head To World Cup

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:20:38 +1100

While Australia has secured its place at next year's World Cup in South Africa, the Australian campaign trail to the 2009 Milan Homeless World Cup began today in Sydney with the announcement of the national team, the Street Socceroos.

More than 500 homeless people from across the globe will descend on Italy’s glamour city for the week-long football tournament beginning this Sunday, showcasing the power of sport to transform lives.

In announcing the team today at an event with Sydney FC at Macquarie Park, former Socceroo, SBS Chief Football Analyst and Street Soccer Ambassador, Craig Foster praised the passion and commitment of players who are using sport to overcome challenges in their lives.

“The Street Socceroos are a great example of what homeless and marginalised people can achieve when given the opportunity and support,” Foster said.

“Since working with The Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer Program I have had the privilege to see firsthand how football can help homeless and disadvantaged Australians find a path to a new life.

“Football is the biggest sport and the common language of the world, the one sport that brings everyone together. It makes us great friends and gives us incredible memories.

“As an ambassador of last year’s Homeless World Cup in Melbourne I know the power this event has in changing the lives of homeless and marginalised people worldwide. Each year more than 50 nations come together with one common language – football and one common goal – to improve their lives.

“I urge Australia to get behind these inspirational men and women who everyday show the ultimate commitment to improving their lives, and of whom I for one am very proud.”

Selection to the team was not just on soccer skills alone, but on each individual’s dedication and commitment to an ongoing program, which encourages team work, discipline, and the commitment to making positive changes in their lives.

Players were selected from hundreds of participants across the country involved in a federally funded initiative coordinated by The Big Issue. The Community Street Soccer Program currently facilitates weekly street soccer training at 17 sites across Australia with plans in place for 30 operational by 2010. The program also focuses on specialist programs for women, Indigenous Australians, refugees and in correctional facilities.

Today’s announcement saw one woman, two refugees and an Indigenous player selected to head to Milan.

Street Socceroos Coach George Halkias commended the players on their selection to represent Australia, all of whom have battled the odds and overcome many challenges to now get the opportunity to stand proud and represent their country on the world stage

“The Homeless World Cup provides a strong aspirational element to the Community Street Soccer Program and for these eight players today this truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Mr Halkias said.

“Around the country everyday I am inspired by seeing Street Soccer players develop from their first training session. The boost in their self-esteem and confidence is incremental with every session and amazingly it doesn’t take long to rub off on other aspects of their lives.

“Having been with the program for nearly five years I’ve seen some great success stories. Players who many would have written off as no hopers by the wider community are literally doing some amazing things.

“This is a unique way of helping people who would otherwise be lost to the system and indeed to our community.”

In an email from the UK, the golden boy of Australian soccer Tim Cahill also gave his support to the 2009 Street Socceroos.

“I’d like to wish you, and the Australian squad, the very best of luck at the 2009 Milan Homeless World Cup,” Cahill said.

“I am aware that there is going to be a high level of competition in Milan but I know that you will do the nation proud.”

The 2009 Street Socceroos are Nabil Hermiz (VIC), Robin ‘Ric’ Oldridge (VIC), Thom Lino (VIC), Beau Tyson (QLD), Nicole Brennan (WA), James Crawford (NSW), Scott Endersby (NSW) and Dave O'Grady (NSW).

View images of the event here

Follow the 2009 Street Socceroos on twitter www.twitter.com/thebigissue