Steve
Posted Nov 19th, 2008 • Category: Player Profiles • By Anna O'Brien
STEVE MALONEY, VICE-CAPTAIN (VIC)
Stevie began training at Atherton Gardens in Melbourne 18 months ago. He originally hails from St Helens in the north-west of England and worked in England and internationally as a successful jockey for 17 years. His work brought him to Australia in 1998.
Stevie has been homeless and lived in men’s shelters before he found out about The Big Issue Street Soccer Program.
“In the past I had problems with alcohol and I was in a rehab when I saw a flyer saying come down and train. I went down and George (coach) and Bushy (player) made me feel welcome”.
When asked what he likes most about the Street Soccer Program, Steve says “I like having ‘a crack’ (a laugh) with the lads, I really like playing football. It keeps me fit and it gives me something to look forward to. It breaks the week up and stops it being monotonous.”
Stevie has been on the straight and narrow for 16 months now and says that the soccer program has helped him, as has attending regular AA meetings, playing in his Sunday League side the Caulfield Cougars and being a dad.
“You don’t have to do things alone. There are people and services out there that can help people out.”
Stevie was humbled to receive the 2008 Best and Fairest Award for the Melbourne Street Soccer Program.
“I’m rapt with the award, but we’re all winners just for being here today anyway,” Stevie said.
“Sometimes people don’t understand when I try to explain how important soccer is to me, but it has dead set helped me change my life.”
Stevie says “it feels enormous” to play in the Homeless World Cup. “I’m most looking forward to playing the game I love and meeting other players.
“I want to do my bit to get the message out there that it’s homeless not hopeless!”
Steve is also actively involved in The Big Issue’s Adopt-A-Team project, talking to hundreds of Melbourne’s school children about his journey. “It is such a pleasure telling kids about my life so they can learn from my mistakes, I have been so surprised how well they listen and take it on board”
Top picture: Steve at the National Championships (Michael Brown- Photoworx)
Bottom picture: Steve (on the left) with two of his best mates in England.
Anna O'Brien - Coordinates the website for The Big Issue.
Email this author | All posts by Anna O'Brien
