7 DECEMBER 2008
MELBOURNE 2008 HOMELESS WORLD CUP BREAKS DOWN PREJUDICES
Research conducted during this week's Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr has shown that two-thirds of event spectators surveyed have changed their perspective of homeless people.
The Homeless World Cup is a world-class, annual, international football tournament that uses football as a catalyst to help people who are homeless to change their lives; and to change the attitudes of governments, media, public and key influencers to create better solutions to homelessness around the world.
The global event unites teams of people who are homeless and excluded from society to take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their country in an unique street soccer tournament.
Proving that sport has the power to change the world, 82 per cent of spectators surveyed during the Melbourne event agreed that the Homeless World Cup contributes to a sense of community well-being.
82 per cent also agreed that the Homeless World Cup breaks down stereotypes about the homeless community.
85 per cent strongly agree that the Homeless World Cup is a fun and entertaining event.
Three-quarters of spectators agreed that the Homeless World Cup is an event that gives them an opportunity to show other people how special their community (Melbourne) is.
"It has put a face of humanity on the issue," said one spectator. "Homeless people aren't just people to be ignored. They have something to offer the community as much as anyone".
Another spectator said: "This event has helped humanise the problem and reminded me it affects all ages and races."
Over 300 fast and furious street soccer matches have been played at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr this week, showcasing the skill and passion of over 500 homeless and marginalised players from around the world.
Melbourne has embraced the event, with packed grandstands cheering, chanting and stomping their appreciation of the players and their sportsmanship.
Researcher Dr Emma Sherry from Deakin University has also been conducting research with The Big Issue's Street Soccer Program since 2006 and in 2008 she has interviewed over 90 participants from nine Street Soccer Program sites around Australia.
"The Big Issue Street Soccer Program assists many individuals, much more than just the eight players in the Homeless World Cup team," Dr Sherry said.
"It provides them with connection back into the community, physical activity and links into support services.
"One out of five of the participants noted that their team members have become their family.
"The Homeless World Cup as an event assists in giving participants a goal but more importantly, it raises awareness of the issue of homelessness."
A legacy of the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup will be the continued roll-out of 30 Street Soccer Program across Australia by The Big Issue, providing weekly soccer training sessions and support for homeless and marginalized people.
The Homeless World Cup has triggered and supports grass-roots football programs in over 60 nations engaging 30,000 homeless players every year.
Player research conducted by the Homeless World Cup international body consistently demonstrates that over 70 per cent of players experience a significant life change. They come off drugs and alcohol, move into homes, jobs, education and training, repair relationships and even become coaches and players.
The Homeless World Cup final between Afghanistan and Russia will be played at Fed Square stadium from 5pm today.
For media enquiries contact Sandra Del Monaco on +61 400 404 706 or Kirsty Nicholls on +61 438 123 184.
