Melbourne Heart FC has joined forces with Community Partner Public Transport Victoria in a new initiative to support The Big Issue’s ‘Community Street Soccer Program’ known as Street Soccer.
As the club’s inaugural short sponsor for the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season, Public Transport Victoria will use the badgeing rights of the Heart’s ‘back of short’ sponsorship to promote the Community Street Soccer Program.
The Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer Program uses sport as a mechanism to engage homeless and marginalised people and promote social inclusion across Australia.
While many clubs have used their strips to promote one-off charity events, with Public Transport Victoria’s support, this is the first time a professional Australian club has permanently devoted part of its uniform sponsorship to a not for profit community organisation, and follows similar moves in recent years by Spanish giant Barcelona.
The program will feature Heart Head Coach, Ajax legend and ex-Dutch star John van ‘t Schip as its ambassador.
The ‘Heart’ of Street Soccer involves males and females, from 16 years, and varying ability and fitness levels, getting together once a week, training and participating in development activities.
Participants get fit, make new friends and seek support and advice. Support staff also work closely with players, linking them to services that address homelessness, substance abuse, family breakdown, grief and loss and mental illness.
Recent Melbourne Heart FC Street Soccer Visits:
North Melbourne Wednesday 13 October, 2010 Jesper Olsen Kristian Sarkies
Dandenong Wednesday 17 November, 2010 John van ’t Schip Kamal Ibrahim
North Melbourne Women’s Thursday 16 December, 2010 Louisa Bisby
Broadmeadows Thursday 20 January, 2011 John van ’t Schip Kliment Taseski
North Melbourne Women’s Thursday 24 February, 2011 Louisa Bisby
Dandenong Wednesday 2 March, 2011 John van’t Schip
North Melbourne Mixed Wednesday 6 April, 2011 Peter Zois Jason Hoffman
Broadmeadows Thursday 5 May, 2011 John van’t Schip Aziz Behich
North Melbourne Womens Thursday 16 June, 2011 Louisa Bisby
Dandenong Wednesday 20 July, 2011 Peter Zois Curtis Good
Morwell Thursday 18 August, 2011 Peter Zois David Williams
North Melbourne Mixed Wednesday 28 September, 2011 John van’t Schip David Williams
Dandenong Wednesday 26 October, 2011 Peter Zois Nikola Roganovic
Broadmeadows Thursday 10 November, 2011 John van ’t Schip Aziz Behich
To find out more about The Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer Program, visit www.streetsoccer.org.au.