The Big Issue

Caulfield Cougars Soccer team has recruited some of our very own street soccer players from The Big Issue’s Street Soccer Program. Some of the street soccer players from the Melbourne Program have taken the field in the suburban amateur league with the Caufield Cougars soccer team.

Caulfield Cougars coach, Jim Theodoropoulos, said he is more than happy to have the street soccer players in the team.

“Having the boys from The Big Issue is just amazing,” Jim said.

“They are polite, hardworking, respectful and fit in just like any of the other players.”

Cougars coach Jim Theodoropoulos and Street Socceroo National coach George Halkias coordinate the project which encourages the street soccer players to be involved in a mainstream team. The players are involved in all facets of the club; from training, setting up the ground, refereeing and playing on match day in the first eleven.

“There’s a great team spirit and many of us have learned a lot from the street soccer players. They are an inspiration!” Jim said. Starring for the Cougars on the pitch is Stephen Maloney who recently captained Vic Metro in the recent national championships.

With the Caufield Cougars proudly wearing their Big Issue emblazoned shirts, the opponents and spectators have the opportunity to learn more about The Big Issue and the upcoming Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup.