Dandenong WISE staff participated in a Street Soccer round robin on the last day of August. The event was organised and developed as a community Initiative of the Big Issue.

The program uses the power of sport to promote social inclusion and personal change for homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people. It changes lives and creates healthier communities.

Representatives from WISE Employment, Victoria Police and the Fire Brigade played against local youth participants. The participants meet every Wednesday, from 4pm to 6pm, for a fun game of soccer.

The local participants come from all walks of life, but all have been marginalised in some way. Participants are referred by hostels and boarding houses, community centres, welfare agencies or simply hear about the game by word of mouth.

The six players (and two supporting WISE staff) played three matches each against different opponents. Wise won the first round against the Street Soccer youth, lost the 2nd game to the Victoria Police, and drew the final game against the Street Soccer youth.

“The Big Issue supports marginalised members of society which is a cause close to our heart here at WISE Dandenong, so it was great to be able to show our support and have fun to boot,” said Sandra Ainsworth, Business Manager at WISE Dandenong.

The matches were followed by a short BBQ sponsored by the WISE site.
You can read more about the initiative at the Community Street Soccer website