$3million for Australia's Street Soccer Program
Posted by Australia - 17/10/2007
Federal Minister for Sport, Senator George Brandis has announced the Australian Government will contribute $3 million towards the establishment of Australia's Community Street Soccer Program and the maintenance of 30 street soccer sites across the nation.
Senator Brandis said the ground-breaking initiative uses grassroots sport to reconnect people on the margins of the community with the mainstream: “Street soccer has achieved notable success overseas in helping homeless people to regain self-esteem and independence. The combination of healthy, physical activity and organised sport can provide the catalyst for transforming lives. Initiatives like this help build self-worth and provide a sense of purpose, belonging and a vision for a brighter future. The program is about helping people who’ve fallen off the rails kick goals on and off the field.”
Football Federation of Australia CEO, Ben Buckley welcomed the announcement: “We are delighted that the Federal Government is supporting such a worthwhile event and we look forward to working with the organisers and the Street Socceroos to make it a very successful Homeless World Cup,” Mr Buckley said.
The Australian Government will provide funding over the three calendar years from 2007 to 2009, with $1.2 million allocated to build 30 playing sites and the remaining $1.8 million to operate them.
The Homeless World Cup will take place in Melbourne, December 2008.
