Four of Australia’s Street Socceroos were employed by RMIT University to referee their annual International Cup on Saturday April 18. 

Darren ‘Dazzler’, Adrian ‘Bushy’, Lorenso ‘Enso’ and Trung, who have all represented Australia at various Homeless World Cups, took part in the annual soccer tournament which saw more than 200 international students play a series of round-robin matches the University’s Bundoora campus.

Street Socceroo and International Cup referee, Darren ‘Dazzler’, said all in all the day went well and the group was appreciative of the opportunity to showcase their skills at such a great event.

Due to the success of the 2009 International Cup, RMIT has confirmed they will turn to the Street Socceroos again in 2010 to referee the International Cup and any other soccer events they host. 

Sydney Street Soccer Player and TBI Vendor Marcus Prentice 

Street Soccer goalie extraordinaire and long serving vendor, Marcus Prentice, is a familiar face around The Big Issue offices in Sydney.

Marcus’ dedication to The Big Issue and Street Soccer Program has been outstanding, selling his 300th edition in January 2009 and never missing a soccer training session on Mondays.

“I’m 36 in April,” says Marcus.

“I started selling The Big Issue when I was 24. The mag changed my life for the better and being involved in the soccer has given me a reason to get out of that bed on a Monday morning – apart from the fitness and the friendships.”  

Participants from Perth’s Street Soccer Program played inside the walls of Hakea Prison in an inaugural challenge match with inmates on March 16.

Despite being defeated 9-0, the Street Soccer players enjoyed the experience while the spirits of the inmates at Hakea Prison were lifted. 

IMAGE: Perth’s Street Soccer players with inmates from Hakea Prison. 

Street Soccer players from South Australia took part in the 2009 Teen Challenge Corporate Day in Whitmore Square, Adelaide on February 25.

Teams from Teen Challenge and MediaEdge joined Street Soccer SA for a series of round robin matches.

For two hours teams showed flashes of brilliance, glimpses of speed and an attitude of fun and great sportsmanship.

Street Soccer SA would like to thank Teen Challenge and MediaEdge for the opportunity to participate in the event.  

IMAGE: Players from Street Soccer SA, Teen Challenge and MediaEdge take part in the 2009 Teen Challenge event.

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.