Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I unfortunately let a lot of goals in. The Big Issue community street soccer program is a national initiative that coordinates weekly football training for homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people across Australia. The program, supported by corporate partners and the federal government, has provided $4.4 million in funding for the initiative since 2007. Street soccer aims to use the power of sport to promote social inclusion and personal change for homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people. Ultimately, the program works to create healthier and more engaged communities. The weekly soccer sessions are an opportunity for the participants to get fit, make new friends and seek support and advice in a non-threatening and informal environment. The program is structured so that dedicated support staff work closely with players, linking them to services that address homelessness, substance abuse, family breakdown, grief and loss and mental illness.

In Hobart, street soccer has been operating since February 2010 and the initiative continues to grow. Every Tuesday from 1.30 to 3.30 pm players come together for training and a match either at the Eady Street rugby oval or inside at the Moonah Sports Centre. The minister and I were fortunate enough to spend some time with the players both on and off the field and it was great to take the opportunity to introduce Cindy Chatters to Minister Arbib. Cindy Chatters joined the Hobart street soccer program a few months after it began in 2010. Her street soccer journey began after acquaintances asked her for directions to the program's training ground in Hobart. After showing them where the session was, she reluctantly joined in and has never looked back. In fact, Cindy Chatters was the only woman and only Tasmanian selected to represent Australia in the Homeless World Cup held in Paris in August this year. Cindy really is a remarkable and resilient woman who has certainly endured her share of challenges. Through the street soccer program, however, it has been fantastic to watch her confidence grow and to see her move from strength to strength on and off the field. Cindy is a passionate advocate of the program and is working hard in the local community and beyond to encourage others, particularly women, to get involved in the program.

It was great to visit the street soccer training and forge new relationships with the members of the team, and I look forward to returning for another training session and perhaps, Senator Mason, even improving my goalkeeping skills. The street soccer program offers far more than a two-hour training match. It is an opportunity for males and females over the age of 16 from all backgrounds to come together and focus solely on something other than their own personal circumstances. Some of the players who attended the session were on sport and recreation release from Risdon Prison, some were recently arrived refugees, others were homeless or at risk of homelessness and a few just needed somewhere to belong. It is wonderful to watch people from all different backgrounds come together in the name of sport and to have fun. The street soccer program really is making a difference in my community and in 25 communities across Australia. The dedication of the coaches and of The Big Issue in pulling the program together is truly admirable and I want to acknowledge and thank them for their contributions and ongoing efforts.

I genuinely look forward to continuing to work with groups like Whitelion and with programs like street soccer to build more inclusive and resilient communities. Whilst there are a number of groups and initiatives operating around Australia to support disengaged youth, it is important that we continue to support these organisations and programs to ensure that every young person is given the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in life.