Thursday, May 26, 2011

Floating Football Festival kicks off down under

The Big Issue Street Football Festival launched at Darling Harbour in Sydney today. 
Launching the event, New South Wales Minister for Major Events George Souris announced the NSW Government had committed funding until 2015 to support staging The Big Issue Street Football Festival annually. 
"The festival will not only showcase the power of sport to change lives, but bring together people from all walks of life for nine days of football action," Mr Souris said.
Staged on a purpose-built floating pitch at Cockle Bay, the festival will include the National Championships of The Big Issue's Community Street Soccer Program, which provides weekly training to homeless and marginalised men and women at 25 sites across the country.
The festival will also incorporate a Government Agency Cup, a Corporate Cup and a junior competition.
"Staging our National Championships in Darling Harbour is a major boost to the program and our players," The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said.
"Street Soccer transforms lives by reconnecting people with the community and this festival provides a wonderful opportunity for players from across the country to come together and meet other football lovers."
The Community Street Soccer Program has engaged more than 3,500 Australians since it was launched by The Big Issue in 2007. Outcomes for participants include re-connection with family and the community, improved confidence and self-esteem, improved physical and mental health and a sense of belonging.
The free event runs from May 28 to June 5. The National Championships will be played on June 4-5 where the Street Socceroo squad to participate at the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup will be finalised. -hwc


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