The Big Issue

Homeless soccer players celebrate their best and fairest

Players from The Big Issue’s Street Soccer Program celebrated their achievements at the Sydney Best and Fairest Awards held at the Poolside Café at Andrew Boy Charlton Pool in Sydney on Tuesday night.

The Best and Fairest Awards celebrate the dedication and commitment of homeless and marginalised people, who are using the Street Soccer Program as a way of making positive changes in their lives.

Joining the players were special guests, the Federal Minister for Housing and Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek and SBS Presenter and Commentator, Les Murray. They praised the spirit and dedication of players as they work to get their lives back on track.

Alex Marshall took out the 2008 Sydney Player’s Player Award. Mr Marshall joined the Street Soccer Program in April 2008 and will soon be captaining the Australian Street Socceroos when the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup kicks off on December 1. He was humbled to receive the award.

“This award means a lot because it came from the players,” said Mr Marshall. “It’s been a big year for me. I’m no longer homeless, I’m working and I’ve never felt as proud of a bunch of people as I have of the people here tonight.”

“Being homeless is a lonely proposition, but you guys here make me feel like I’m at home… Knowing that everyone from the Sydney Street Socceroos is behind me 110% is a great feeling.’’

The Most Improved Player Award went to Fallah, while the Coach’s Award was taken out by Big Issue vendor, Marcus Prentice.

Coach of the Sydney Street Soccer Program, Robert Neligan, applauded the efforts of all players involved with the program and said that the evening was an opportunity for everyone to celebrate.

“It really does mean a lot to these guys and they mean a lot to each other. For the players, the Street Soccer Program has become a big family,” Mr Neligan said.

“It was such a wonderful night. The beautiful venue was provided free of charge, and with corporates and community groups, Minister Plibersek and Les Murray, family and friends, it really showed the support these players have from all areas of the community.”

Awards were also presented to volunteers Jamie Lehn from Matthew Talbot Hostel and Wendy Suma from Wayside Chapel for their commitment and service to the program.

The Street Soccer Program is a community initiative of The Big Issue Australia. It uses football as a catalyst for transforming lives, by reconnecting homeless and marginalised people with the community and providing them a real sense of purpose and belonging.

Weekly training provides people who may have experienced homelessness, substance abuse or disadvantage the opportunity to get fit, make new friends and seek support and advice.

Five players from the Sydney Street Soccer Program will depart next week for the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup, taking place from 1-7 December at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr in Melbourne. The final will be televised live on SBS TV on Sunday, 7 December 2008.

For program inquiries contact Katie Gauld on 0414 874 760.
For media inquires contact Sandra Del Monaco on 0438 844 328 or Alex Lee on 0422 382 033.