Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

Federal Minister for Sport, Senator George Brandis today announced the Australian Government will contribute $3 million towards the establishment of The Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer Program and the maintenance of 30 street soccer sites across the nation.

Senator Brandis said the ground-breaking initiative uses grassroots sport to reconnect people on the margins of the community with the mainstream.

“Street soccer has achieved notable success overseas in helping homeless people to regain self-esteem and independence,” Senator Brandis said.

“The combination of healthy, physical activity and organised sport can provide the catalyst for transforming lives.

“Initiatives like this help build self-worth and provide a sense of purpose, belonging and a vision for a brighter future. The program is about helping people who’ve fallen off the rails kick goals on and off the field.”

Football Federation of Australia CEO, Ben Buckley welcomed the announcement.

“We are delighted that the Federal Government is supporting such a worthwhile event and we look forward to working with the organisers and the Street Socceroos to make it a very successful Homeless World Cup,” Mr Buckley said.

The Big Issue is a fortnightly current affairs magazine sold on the streets of Australia’s cities and is produced by a not-for-profit company that helps the homeless, the formerly homeless and the unemployed to participate in society as independently as possible.

The Australian Government will provide funding over the three calendar years from 2007 to 2009, with $1.2 million allocated to build 30 playing sites and the remaining $1.8 million to operate them.

Street soccer involves males and females of all ages and varying ability and fitness levels, who play two seven minute halves in mixed teams of four players on a hard ‘pitch’ of tarmac or boards that measures 22m x 16m.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

12 October 2007

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