Research

Deakin University and The Big Issue have developed a strategic research partnership to evaluate and investigate the impact and social outcomes of the Street Socceroos after their participation in the Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup.

The research demonstrates that particiation in the event had a very positive infleunce in these ways:

• 100% had improved and more stable housing.
• 15% entered further education programs.
• 75% had improved relationships with their family.
• 25% received greater access to their children.
• 100% signed a contract for no drugs or alcohol during the Homeless World Cup.
• 100% of the Street Socceroos stated that their participation in the Homeless World Cup was a life-changing experience.

Testimonials from the players

The Game

“The thing I love about sport is the fact that it doesn’t judge, you know, it doesn’t care if you don’t earn a million dollars per game…it doesn’t matter if you’ve got no sponsors, you know, sport’s always there. Sport’s always going to be there for everyone. And it just…when you’re homeless and society turns its back on you, sport’s the only one that’s there to actually welcome you.”

“It’s not about being good, it’s not about being bad. It’s like both young and old and those who are talented and those who are not come down and make a team.”

“It gives us confidence that we are one people and that just cos we’re homeless doesn’t mean we’re helpless, you know.”

“Street Socceroos gave me confidence to look at opportunities and to realise that I had something I could contribute. I was hardly leaving the house before getting involved, but going to training and working with the others gave me a reason to get on with things.”

“You might have trouble pushing yourself but if there’s someone else pushing you as well, one of your mates…then you have to be there…”

Sense of Community

“I say it’s family oriented. You’re a family when you’re on the field, you know. You’ve got to share the ball…you score a goal, you succeed in life, you achieve something.”

“It’s not about winning, it’s about attitudes, you know, it’s about commitment, it’s about teamwork…”

“It was frustrating at times when I know I have better skills and we could have won more games, but it is also important to have everyone involved and winning isn’t everything.”

“I used to be a very outgoing person and as soon as I became homeless it was like, I lost all that confidence. I got dragged into sport and all of a sudden my confidence came back because I felt like I was wanted again.”

“Since playing with the Street Socceroos I have been more confident and able to talk to people more. This has been really good when I have been talking to people about work and they have been really interested to know I have played for Australia. Not many people can say that.”

The Street Socceroos have also experienced a number of positive social outcomes, resulting in changes to their living and social conditions. For some team members, there are new opportunities for employment, more secure housing, a different perspective on their alcohol or drug addiction, introduction to further education, better relationships with family and partners and improved relations with the legal system. These are tangible improvements in the living situation for the Street Socceroos, as a result of their participation in the Street Socceroos program and its links with support services.

“I have started working with primary schools training the kids in soccer. This has developed and we are being invited to work with more schools as well as other programs through the local council.”

“Just because I don’t have a home doesn’t mean I’m helpless”

“I used to sit at home and smoke a lot and get wasted. It was getting me nowhere, [but] being involved with the Street Soccer has given me a reason to get healthy and stay that way.”

“You are dealing with people who are on the streets, or with drug problems, or with alcoholic problems…when you’re in that predicament it can be quite monotonous, quite boring, and you look for another avenue and that’s why a lot of people tend to turn to crime because they get a rush out of it. Whereas with this soccer program they get the rush but it’s a legal rush and they’re not getting into any trouble.”

One Street Socceroo has successfully enrolled in TAFE in 2007 to study Community Development.

“We have no family support and no one to support us. Like, it’s hard we don’t know if we’re on the right track or not. So what we do we’ve got to keep. Sometimes it’s too big and so we give up.”

“I’m going to Perth for Christmas this year. First time in like seven years I’ve celebrated with my parents. I just don’t want to spend another Christmas by myself. The thing is nothing beats family.”

“I decided to move back to my home town so that I could be closer to my mum. I know it is going to be hard because lots of the same people are still around, but I have my family and they are what is most important.”

“I’ve stopped all my criminal activities and my drug use. That’s one thing that’ll look good at the courts and I’m doing something with my life now… I’ve represented my country. That’s a big thing to represent your country and that will look good.”

The experiences of the Street Socceroos has been viewed positively within the legal system as an effective method of integration into the community and personal development.

In acknowledgement of community service, one Street Socceroos team member won the City of Stonnington Young Citizen of the Year Award.

“I saw Antarctica. I met Desmond Tutu. I played for Australia. And I had a free trip to South Africa. Harry Kewell gave us a speech. We got a letter from John Howard that wasn’t a dole form… Not bad.”

Source: Street Socceroos – Social Outcomes of Sport Participation (Emma Sherry, Deakin University, 2006).