The Big Issue

Dandenong take home Street Soccer State Premiership

Dandenong have won the Victorian Street Soccer State Championships played at Waterfront City at Melbourne’s Docklands on Sunday March 22.

Children, corporate sponsors and members of the public soaked up the action as Dandenong defeated Melbourne in the grand final, after a series of round robin matches played in giant inflatable Street Soccer pitches.

Melbourne goalkeeper Vannie starred in the final, although his efforts weren’t enough to secure the State Premiership for Melbourne with Dandenong kicking two goals in the last half to win 4-2.

Dandenong Captain Thom said he was thrilled to be at the championships and looked forward to the opportunity to head to the Nationals in July.

“Our whole team were so excited to be here today and mix with other Street Soccer players,” Thom said.

“Winning just made it even better, now we can go back to Dandenong with something to be proud of.”

Homeless and marginalised players from Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Dandenong and Melbourne competed for the state title and the chance to head to the National Championships. Following the Nationals a team will be selected to represent Australia at the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup.

In other matches of the tournament Ballarat defeated Geelong in the third place play-off, while the Melbourne Women’s Team went down to Bendigo for fifth place.

Street Soccer National Coach George Halkias said the atmosphere was electric during the final, with the crowd really getting behind the tournament.

“There was a real buzz in the air,” Halkias said.

Minister for Housing, Local Government & Aboriginal Affairs, Honorable Richard Wynne MP, presented the Dandenong team with their medals, and congratulated the incredible strength and commitment they showed on the day.

“The level of sportsmanship has been wonderful, at a sporting event where the ultimate goal is to raise public awareness, generate support and encourage all members of the community to take positive steps to address homelessness.”

National Coach, George Halkias believes the event was successful in giving every player the opportunity to realise they are part of something special.

“The street soccer program is a catalyst for change. Once you start feeling good about yourself, get some physical fitness, make some new friends, and have something to look forward to every week, you gain self esteem and self confidence.

“This then flows onto other areas in your life and you can start making positive changes in your life.

“It’s about daring to dream that life can be better – that they can achieve greater things,” Halkias said.

Staff from BHP Billiton, NAB, ANZ, Macquarie Group Foundation, Corrections Victoria, Minster Ellison Lawyers, Cafescreen and Adstream kicked off the day with their own tournaments in the two giant inflatable pitches, with BHP defeating Corrections Victoria to take home the Corporate Cup for a second year in a row.

The 2009 Victorian Street Soccer State Championships and Camp were proudly supported by The City of Melbourne and Rotary.