The Big Issue

The Brisbane street socceroos have moved to a new pitch, relocating to new farm Park in Brunswick Street, New Farm.

“It’s like playing soccer at the Sheraton!” said Queensland’s street soccer coordinator, Susie Edwards.

Shane, a Brisbane-based player that went to the Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup with the Big Issue’s Aussie Street Socceroos said: “New Farm Park is a great to place to train.”

“The quality of the field is a lot softer under the feet and the facilities are a lot better. It is unusual to be playing on a proper field - the grass is taking a little time to get used to compared to our previous training field where there was always glass and debris to get around. And we don’t have to play around holes in the field anymore.”

After state selection in July, the team will compete in the national championships to be held at Melbourne’s Docklands on July 20.

From the national championships, a squad will be announced for the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup, to be held at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr on December 1-7.

In Australia, weekly training offers people who have experienced homelessness, substance abuse or disadvantage, the opportunity to get fit, make new friends and seek support and advice. Support staff also work closely with players, linking them to services that address their homelessness, substance abuse, family breakdown, grief and loss and mental illness.

Community Street Soccer values participation – and the benefits this brings - over football skills and scoreboard competition. It fosters inclusiveness, commitment, selflessness and team spirit – all directed towards improving the individual’s physical and psychological lifestyle and wellbeing.