The Big Issue Australia's Community Street Soccer Program uses sport as a mechanism to engage homeless and marginalised people and promote social inclusion. It involves males and females, of all ages and varying ability and fitness levels, getting together once a week, training and playing matches. Participants get fit, make new friends and seek support and advice. Support staff also work closely with players, linking them to services that address their homelessness, substance abuse, family breakdown, grief and loss and mental illness. In helping participants achieve these outcomes, the program provides considerable economic benefits by diverting people from hospitals, courts, emergency services and correctional facilities.
The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove helps to manage a Street Soccer team which trains weekly at the King George V Centre in The Rocks.
