The Big Issue Street Football Festival held last month was an inclusive event, bringing together people from all walks of life who share a passion for the game, while raising awareness about the plight of homeless and disadvantaged Australians.

The AIS Men’s Football team embraced the street format, showcasing their skills on a purpose-built floating pitch in the heart of Darling Harbour, Sydney, while lending their support to the Big Issue The AIS defeated Melbourne Heart (6-1) to win the inaugural A-League Youth Challenge tournament as part of the Big Issue Street Football Festival. More than 1,000 players from across all levels of the game took part in 300 matches during the third annual street soccer festival.

Street football has modified rules with five players a side taking the field.

The annual festival is run by The Big Issue, a not-for-profit organisation that tackles homelessness through initiatives like a national soccer program for homeless and disadvantaged men and women and promotion through a street distributed magazine.

After losing the first game to Central Coast Mariners, the AIS team won four consecutive matches against Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Heart, Sydney FC and the West Sydney Wanderers to qualify for the final. The AIS went on to score a convincing (6-1) win in the final to claim the title.

New scholarship holders in the 2013-14 AIS Men’s Football program took part in the team including Dillon Smith, Mark Ochieng, Anthony Kalik and Liam Youlley with Andre Gannese the goalkeeper.

The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said the festival aimed to bring together people from all walks of life to foster social inclusion, friendship and team spirit.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO David Gallop praised the format of the festival, which brings together elite players with those who are turning their lives around through the game.

‘FFA is a great advocate and community partner of The Big Issue’s Street Soccer program because we can see the difference playing football makes to people,’ Gallop said.

‘This festival showcases football’s enduring strength as an inclusive and accessible sport for all.

‘I’m delighted that our Hyundai A-League clubs and the AIS have arranged an inaugural National Youth League tournament to be part of the festival for the first time,’

Assistant Coach of the AIS Men’s Football team Uffy Talay and Player Development Manager Jackson Kupke said it was a solid test for the team and an invaluable experience to play on a smaller field while lending their support to The Big Issue’s cause.

The Festival, included competitions for junior players, A-League youth, corporate and government agency teams and players from the Community Street Soccer Program.

The Australian Government is a proud supporter of The Big Issue Community Street Football Program and has provided $1 million in the 2012/13 financial year.