StreetSocceroos go national

Two and a half years after StreetSmart seed funded The Big Issue's StreetSocceroo project, the Federal government has joined the party with $3m of funding to expand the program around Australia.

This tops up funding from the State government earmarked to fund expansion throughout Victoria. With Melbourne hosting the Homeless World Cup in November ’08, it's going to be a busy year for the team at The Big Issue.

This recent article in The Australian shows what can happen with a great idea, a little bit of funding and a huge amount of hard work and commitment. StreetSmart gave the project $1,500 back in 2005 to help set up, buy some boots, balls, produce flyers and encourage players to come on down.

Well done to George – you’re a legend!