AAP/Dean Lewins

Today I was honoured to present the 2017 Street Socceroos team with jerseys ahead of their travels to represent Australia at the Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway.

Since 2007, The Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer program has helped more than 8,000 homeless and disadvantaged people to live healthier lives access the health and support services they need.

The Kicking Goals report, released today, confirms the broad impact playing Street Soccer has had on the lives of participants.

It confirms that people have experienced significant improvements in their self-esteem, positivity and psychological wellbeing.

The program has help participants to improve physical fitness and mental wellbeing, learn about health issues and better eating habits, and decrease rates of smoking and substance abuse.

Over the last ten years the Australian Government has invested more than $8 million into the Community Street Soccer program, which now operates in 18 locations across Australia.

Community Street Soccer is a targeted, practical program that provides a welcoming environment for people to improve their health and fitness, as well as provide opportunities for employment, housing, and a way forward.

Sport is at the heart of Australian community life and I pay tribute to the sporting clubs, community groups, staff, coaches and individuals who work on the program with such passion and dedication.

I congratulate all the thousands of players, young and old, men and women, who have taken part in Street Soccer over the years and wish our new Street Socceroos every success in Norway.