BALLARAT BIG ISSUE STREET SOCCER PROGRAM Scott Wilson-Browne has just started as the new coach for the Ballarat Big Issue Street Soccer Program. Recent cuts in federal funding have seen a lot of regional based Street Soccer programs disappear. Ballarat is still going, and we have a good participation level, but a crucial part of the program is delivered by volunteers and guests. We have to meet Key Performance targets for Volunteers and guests, to keep this great program going! We meet every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm, and as long as the sun is shining it’s held at the Street Soccer Pitch, Morshead Park. If not, then we retreat indoors to Eastwood Leisure Centre. Street Soccer is about bringing disadvantaged people back into the community. Our participants are from a wide variety of backgrounds, male and females, and have a varying level of skills. Not all participants are there for soccer, but as a part of a team, friendship, and to be mentored. The program is based around welcoming, warm up, easy games for fitness (not all soccer related), the break in the middle where there is a chance to communicate, meet new people, eat fruit and drink water, and then we play street soccer games. It’s not about being competitive, although there are some players who are naturally more so than others, it’s about being involved. The program needs volunteers and guests (over the age of 18) on a regular basis, and almost any level of participation from volunteers and guests can be accommodated. It is asked that anyone attending does so for the whole session. It’s up to each volunteer to decide how much they want to participate, so no soccer skill or fitness is required for those that just want to come, meet people, offer support, encouragement and set good examples. And then there is the component that more experienced players can get involved with the coaching, demonstrate skills and teach the participants, and join in the actual games. The half time break is a chance for any guest who may have stories, experiences to share with the group to speak as well. The aim is to promote a positive attitude about life, through sport, and in this case Street Soccer. For a lot of our participants, this is a real bright spot in their week, so we always aim to make it fun, friendly, engaging and interesting. Scott has just taken this role on, so is learning as he goes as well! If you or anyone you know can spare a few hours, even just once, and would like to be involved please contact Scott, our Ballarat Big Issue Street Soccer Coach on 0407 526 540 or email: [email protected] thebigissue.org.au/community-street-soccer/about/
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 03:17:21 +0000
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