The Big Issue

Street Socceroos Farewelled

Excited farewells kicked off in Adelaide on Wednesday at the final Street Soccer Program training session before Toni, Hamid, Will and Dave left for Melbourne. Farewelling the players, Emma Wirkus from the Australian Matildas and Adelaide United Women’s Soccer Team along with Airton Andrioli and Richie Alagich from Football Federation South Australia (FFSA) praised the passion and commitment of the players who are using sport to overcome challenges in their lives.

“It’s an absolute buzz to wear the green and gold and it’s a great honour. I’m sure these players will do our country proud,” Ms Wirkus said.

Up north in Brisbane, Kevin and Rohan paid a visit to the Queensland Roar training session and were greeted by several players including Michael Zullo and Sergio van Dijk.

Kevin enjoyed the send off, and is ready to get down to Melbourne.

“I’m very keen to get down there now, and I’m pretty nervous,” Kevin said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m looking forward to playing and the amazing people I’m going to meet”.

Sydney FC welcomed the large Sydney contingent of Street Socceroos to their Friday training session. The boys had the opportunity to chat with the Sydney FC players and, we’re sure, gained a few valuable tips. Newly appointed Captain, Steve Corica passed on his best to Alex, Coen, Chad, Pjay, Patrick and Tim,

“We wish the Street Socceroos every success at the Homeless World Cup and congratulate the players on the goals they’ve been kicking both on and off the field,” Mr Corica said.

While our Victorian based players don’t have far to travel, Melbourne Victory FC made them feel welcome at their home-game at Telstra Dome on Friday night. The crowd showed their support to the Vics - Stevie, Enso, Eddy, Pommy, Norm and Josh. Street Socceroos Coach, George Halkias and Vice-Captain, Stevie Maloney were interviewed on the pitch and shared their stories and their anticipation for the upcoming international world class tournament. Who knows, maybe it was hearing from Stevie that inspired Melbourne Victory to their 2-1 win against Central Coast.

And then on Saturday, Adelaide United FC shared another farewell, this time with their home crowd at Hindmarsh Stadium. Toni Whelan, Brian Powell, Coach of the North Adelaide Street Soccer Program, and Street Soccer Program players, Shane and Daniel, made it onto the big screen before the match and proudly spread the word of Street Soccer.                                                   

Coach of the Australian Street Socceroos, George Halkias applauded his team’s efforts and said that upon arriving in Melbourne, the Street Socceroos would be focussed on the task ahead.

“The players will get together for a pre-tournament camp in preparation for the big event. We’ll prepare physically and psychologically to make sure we’re ready to perform both on and off the pitch,” said George.

“The players are about to embark on an amazing personal journey. It’s an experience that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

Irrespective of their football performance, the lessons of life that they will learn and the friends they will make will prove to be an amazing catalyst for transforming their lives.”

The Street Socceroos arrive in Melbourne this week and will start making our international friends feel at home as they touch down throughout the week.

It’s not long to go now!

Photos:

Top - Street Socceroos from Adelaide are farewelled by their coaches, teammates, Emma Wirkus from the Australian Matildas and Adelaide United Women’s Soccer Team along with Airton Andrioli and Richie Alagich from Football Federation South Australia (FFSA)

Middle - Kevin works the media at the Queensland Roar training session.

Middle - Street Socceroos in Sydney spend some time with Sydney FC

Bottom - George Halkias and Vice-Captain, Stevie Maloney interviewed on the pitch at the Melbourne Victory FC game