What do you think Homelessness is?

Homelessness  Homelessness is usually a result of not having a job, no money, not being able to live in affordable housing, violence at home, family break down, alcohol and other drug use, gambling and social isolation  1 in every 50 Australian children will access a homelessness assistance services.  There are more young women than young men that are homeless.  There are over 100,000 people that are homeless in Australia every night.

Do you know anything about… THE BIG ISSUE?

Big Issue  The Big Issue has been around since It’s a non-profit charity which is 80% self funded. An amazing $7.5 Million went into the pockets of the disadvantaged and unemployed who sell the magazines.  The people who don’t have jobs and the disadvantaged sell the magazines for $5 and keep $2.50 of it for themselves.  The big issue supports and helps homeless people get their lives back on track.

Do you know anything about… The Homeless World Cup

 Is a once in a year International Soccer competition for players who are homeless or socially unaccepted. Here are the countries its been held at so far:  2003 in Graz/Austria  2004 in Gothenburg/Sweden  2005 in Edinburgh/Scotland  2006 in Cape town/South Africa  2007 in Copenhagen/Denmark  2008 in Melbourne/Australia  This year Banksia Latrobe is supporting and funding as much money as we can raise to go towards the Nigerian Homeless Soccer team which 90% of the money will cover a place for them to stay, food, flight costs. 10% administrative costs.

Do you know anything about… The STREET Socceroos?

Street Socceroos  The street Socceroos are women and men at least 16 years old and are homeless or have been at some time in their life that play for the Street Socceroos.  They are involved in the Street Socceroos because they want to make a change in their lives.  They benefit from this by getting their lives back on track, becoming more social, getting to know more people and make new friends.  They realise how its not whether you win or lose, its about how you play the game, have fun and co-operate and communicate with your team-mates.

Soccer Training  The impact that this has on homeless people is helping them become more committed to something, sticking with it, having fun and achieving their goals through the help of sport.  This makes them finally feel worth it again, gain confidence and have fun!  They play soccer because it helps them face some of the problems in life. It also teaches self-control and gets them fit and healthy.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re the best player or cant even kick a ball, anybody who joins in is a winner!

Soccer Match  This is a soccer match which your school can join in on.  You pay $5 Per Team or $1 per person to play soccer and raise money towards the Nigerian soccer team which we are supporting this year. At Banksia Latrobe and you’ll be playing against Year 7’s

Fundraising  All of the proceeds will go towards the Nigerian Homeless Soccer team which we are sponsoring to come to Australia and compete in the Homeless World Cup. Which will be held in Melbourne, Federation Square later this year.

r u MAKING A DIFFERENCE?  You can come along and join in on helping us fundraise for our adopted team Nigeria.  You can make a difference… but we can make a huge difference together.