Leaving a Legacy: 30 Street Soccer Programs
Posted on 26/08/2008
At the official event countdown of the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup today attention was drawn to the event legacy: street soccer programs rolled out across 30 sites in Australia by The Big Issue.
Executive Director of the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup, Mr Steven Persson, said “The Big Issue is extremely proud to host an event that provides fresh solutions to homelessness and encourages people to make change on a global scale: “The Big Issue’s Street Soccer Program currently works with hundreds of homeless and marginalised people across Australia, providing support and assistance for players to get their lives back on track. The Homeless World Cup will leave an enduring legacy with the expansion to over 30 sites across Australia, engaging an estimated 1200 players.”
Earlier this year Federal Minister for Sport, Senator George Brandis announced the Australian Government will contribute $3 million towards the establishment of Australia's Community Street Soccer Program and the maintenance of the 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.”
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.
