Aussie national championships
Posted on 23/07/2008
It was a chilly day in Melbourne last Sunday, but with warm smiles and unyielding energy, players and spectators united for The Big Issue Street Soccer National Championships.
Teams flew from across the country to Melbourne for a two-day training camp on the Mornington Peninsula which was followed by the Championships at the Waterfront City Piazza in Melbourne’s new Docklands precinct.
The festivities kicked off bright and early with a schools tournament and corporate cup. Students from ten schools/youth groups and staff from our corporate sponsors took up street soccer energetically and there was a strong sense of community as matches were played in the two giant inflatable pitches. Players and spectators enjoyed a lunch time sausage sizzle, but when the state battle lines were drawn for the afternoon championships the day really heated up.
Six teams from New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria Metro and Victoria Regional were competing for the national title, and with players also vying for a place in the national team to represent Australia at the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup, the stakes were high.
The Championships were opened by the Commonwealth Minister for Youth and Sport, the Hon. Kate Ellis.
"The Australian Government is proud to support The Big Issue and the Street Soccer program,” Ms Ellis said.
“Soccer has a remarkable ability to bring people together and break down social and cultural barriers. Sport also helps with the development of good physical and mental health, promotes team work and helps to build self-confidence in individuals, which is why the Government actively supports initiatives like Community Street Soccer.”
The national anthem that followed was sung with gusto! And like every great sporting event, there was pride in the players’ eyes as they sang their hearts out. And then it was down to business.
The round robin style tournament showcased the players’ passion and determination, with plenty of competitive play and great sportsmanship. The day culminated with an epic Grand Final between the newly formed New South Wales team and veterans, Victoria Metro.
NSW Coach, Robert Neligan said the atmosphere was electric during the final, “the school kids, spectators and all the other teams were watching. And there was music playing, live commentary and a real buzz in the air.”
Despite the home ground advantage, the Victorian Metro team went down 5-8 in a close match.
Mr Neligan, said the NSW team were over the moon with the victory!
“The atmosphere at the championships was absolutely unbelievable. Players from all the state teams were supportive and cheering during the medal presentations with Melbourne’s Lord Mayor John So.
Photos by Photoworx, Melbourne.
