Love Football in the Community

Love Football has a vision and believes in the power of football and the positive affects it can have on individuals and communities towards tackling these issues and is developing new innovative solutions with key agencies and partners.

We are keen to be involved in community based projects wherever possible and welcome your comments and suggestions - its not just about selling football boots!

Below are various projects we have been involved in since our launch 12 months ago.
For More Information e-mail community@lovefootball.com.au

Youth Reach
October 2009

The Love Football "Its not Just a Game!" team have been working hard with several organisations and are now proud to confirm a partnership with Youth Reach and Football SSG. The program involves working with "at risk" young people in Sydney, providing them with affordable and accessible opportunities to take part in weekly organised football coaching as well as competitive small sided games> Youth Reach is a youth support service that provides both a youth centre as well as outreach programs to young people aged 13-24. The purpose of Youth Reach is to provide young people with care and support  and is a section of the St Vincent de Paul Society, formed to carry out Christ's injunction, "Love thy neighbour", especially by "reaching out to youth" Feedback so far (early November ) has been fantastic with all the participants appearing to look forward to to both the training sessions and weekly games. Players aside, the Love Football coaches have all said how enjoyable the sessions are with everone showing a great enthusiasm for the game! We would like to thank Football SSG and Youth Reach for their support of the program.

"England" v "Australia" Charity match
September 2009

Updated info...December 2009

Please see the follow the link to see a short film shot by Dave... it shows exactly where the money went and how much it was appreciated! 

http://vimeo.com/7842388

We wanted to update you all on the recent charity game played in aid of football loving kids in Ghana.
David is now coaching in Ghana, overcoming the challenge of getting over 70 pairs of boots and other equipment through customs!

David has ..."met some brilliant people... who really appreciate the gear and equipment that has been sent over"

Thanks to everyone that has supported David and his efforts for this fantastic cause.

Football  player Dave Oswell  hosted an England V Australia soccer game to raise money for his upcoming trip to Ghana where he will volunteer as a football coach to 30 kids in an orphanage.
Love Football were proud to be involved with such a project and supplied the playing strips for both teams with one of our very own playing for the defeated "England " team.

We wish Dave well during his trip to Ghana and hope to have feedback/images when he returns.

Love Football attends the Homeless World Cup

"The Homeless World Cup culminated on Sunday the 7^th December with a fantastic festival of football. Love Football attended the final day’s proceedings, enjoying the atmosphere and joining in with the team’s celebrations.

Afghanistan won the men’s section beating Russia in the grand final in Federation Square, Melbourne, and Zambia won the women’s section defeating an injury-ravaged Liberia.

The two main arenas, Federation Square and Birrung Marr, were filled with colour as spectators from around the world watched and cheered their teams. The walk ways between the two arenas were full of supporters singing songs, dancing and generally enjoying themselves.

Homeless World Cup co-founder Mel Young said that

“We’ve had big crowds before, but I don’t think

I’ve ever had so many (locals) just saying ‘Wow this is wonderful’”

Young then went on to say that

“It will be hard for any city to beat what Melbourne’s put on”

The games and results at the Homeless World Cup are important but the major benefit and outcome is the spirit between the players, referees, volunteers and supporters. Football has a huge power and is now being utilised to promote social inclusion, the Homeless World Cup is an example of this and Love Football is striving to promote projects and initiatives working towards the same goals.

The weeks tournament ended with a packed Federation Square watching on as the Afghan team excited spectators winning the final and ended up being unbeaten in the tournament. The players have a huge respect for one another and this was shown before, during and after each match, this atmosphere transcended to the fans and made the event a huge success."

This article was written by our Football Development Manager -Joe Haywood, qualified to  UEFA “B” standard and football mad!

Did you know?
There are one billion homeless people living in our world today. The Homeless World Cup exists to end this, so we all have a home, a basic human need.

The Home less World Cup is an annual, international football tournament, uniting teams of people who are homeless and excluded to take a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives forever. It has triggered and supports grass roots football projects in over 60 nations working with over 25,000 homeless and excluded people throughout the year.

The first tournament took place in Graz 2003 uniting 17 national teams. At the 5th Homeless World Cup in Copenhagen this summer, 48 nations, 500 players were united for a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country. Melbourne is the host city for the next tournament from 1-7 December 2008.

Love Football will be attending the Homeless World Cup and supporting the event, please visit the Love Football & Social Inclusion page in January to see reports and pictures.

Love Football  attended the 2008 UNICEF “Kick for Kids” football tournament in Sydney NSW. The fundraiser was organised to raise money various UNICEF projects around the world, assisting children that have been affected by HIV and AIDS.
It is our aim to be even more involved next year and we will post information on the community page when available.