The Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer Program in Canberra celebrated its first anniversary at Parliament House yesterday with a series of matches, played between participants of the program, Federal politicians and new Melbourne Heart FC signing Kamal Ibrahim.
The Big Issue-s Community Street Soccer Program in Canberra celebrated its first anniversary at Parliament House this morning with a series of matches, played between participants of the program, Federal politicians and new Melbourne Heart FC signing Kamal Ibrahim.
Four teams made up of members of the Senate, House of Representatives and Parliamentary staff attended the milestone for the Community Street Soccer Program, which uses the power of sport as a catalyst to transform the lives of homeless and marginalised people across Australia.
The Community Street Soccer Program team beat the House of Representatives team in the third place play-off, while Senate team defeated the mixed Parliamentary team for first place, taking out the major trophy. The highlight of competition was the presentation of the Fair Play Award, presented by the Minister for Housing, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, to the Street Soccer player that showed true commitment to their team mates and to improving their lives through their actions on the pitch.
Minister Plibersek said it was an honour to take part in the event and praised The Big Issue for their Community Street Soccer Program that works to change the lives of homeless people and people at risk of homelessness.
“Street Soccer engages people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness and provides a unique way for them to connect to support services, helping them to move out of homelessness and back into the community,” Minister Plibersek said.
“Today was a great opportunity to pay special tribute to these men and women who everyday commit to positively changing their lives through their involvement with the Community Street Soccer Program.”
Minister for Finance and Deregulation, The Hon Lindsay Tanner MP, played in this morning-s competition on the House of Representatives team and honoured The Big Issue for organising the special occasion.
“Australia loves its sport, but today-s event was more than just another sporting event.
“As a Federal member of Parliament it was a great honour to get the opportunity to have a kick with a group of men and women that are not only passionate about their sport but also passionate about turning their lives around.”
The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said this morning-s event was an absolute success and showcased both the life changing work of these incredible men and women, as well as the overwhelming support the program enjoys from all levels of the Australian community.
“Following the Federal Government-s agreement with The Big Issue in 2008 to support Phase 1 of the Community Street Soccer Program by providing $3 million over three years, it has made us so very proud to see the expansion of Street Soccer across Australia, changing lives and building healthy communities,” he said.
“The support of the Federal Government is instrumental in ensuring the Community Street Soccer Program can reach into the most disadvantaged and under-privileged areas of Australia, delivering lasting legacies of support for homeless and marginalised people.”
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