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Street Soccer team kicks life goal

Sometimes winning isn’t about gold medals, it’s just about getting to the starting line. That’s certainly the case for eight homeless and marginalised Western Australians who are part of the State Street Soccer side that will compete at the national championships in Sydney in July.

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State Street Soccer Team

The championships will be used as an opportunity for players to put forward their case to be selected for the Australian side to compete in the Homeless World Cup in Rio de Janeiro later this year.

State players were selected from the Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer program and were picked as a reward for their attitude, attendance and commitment.  

Although according to the program’s State Coordinator Chris Cornelio, the real success of the program is had away from the pitch.

“It’s great to see the guys who do well and get picked for the World Cup and things like that,” he said.

“Honestly though, it’s the guys who don’t come back who have done really well. This is because they’ve found employment and accommodation. Our goal for the program is that it is a transitional one.”

Training is held once a week and according to State Team members Jarrod and Mick its great way to spend their Thursday afternoon.

“I have a young daughter and it’s helping me set a good example for her, hopefully when she sees me play soccer it will inspire her to be healthy and not do some of the things I did,” said Mick.

“If I wasn’t at soccer training, I’d be having a few beers like I normally would,” added Jarrod.

“The best part about it is that I’m able to get away from some of the troubles of my day and the people are really great, you make some good friends who you are able to keep in touch with.”

Jarrod said he was looking forward to representing his state at the national championships.

“It means a lot to represent Western Australia and hopefully we can come home with the trophy,” he said.

While the program is primarily built upon playing sport in a friendly environment, players are put into contact with support services if they request it.

The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) is pleased to have supported this program since 2009, by providing the State Team with uniforms and an inflatable pitch, allowing team training at any park, anytime.

DSR Communications Manager Charles Hayne said the relationship was a perfect fit.

“At DSR we love to support programs that use sport and recreation to engage people in the community and Street Soccer certainly does that,” he said.

“We are passionate believers that sport and recreation makes communities stronger, healthier, happier and safer, and the results being delivered by this program are evidence of that.

 “It’s great to see sport and recreation helping these homeless and marginalised players to kick goals in life, and we wish them every success in their upcoming tournaments.”

 
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