The Big Issue Street Soccer program is designed to help new migrants settle into life in Australia and there are about 6500 people involved in the program nation-wide.
In the western Sydney suburb of Parramatta there are many new migrants struggling with issues of assimilation into Australian life, including learning the language.
The program, which started in 2007, gives them a free lunch, two dedicated coaches and the opportunity to build new friendships, Big Issue NSW Street Soccer Coach Tom Wilson told SBS News.
“They can build up a social network, they can swap numbers and all of a sudden they’re feeling more comfortable and connected in the local community," he said.
The program also encourages participants to improve their fitness and have fun.
For some of the Parramatta members, it has been so successful that some of them have branched out and formed their own futsal team in a local league.
Oscar Wu came to Australia after graduating from University in China but struggled with adjusting to the new lifestyle and the language.
He discovered the scheme three years ago and told SBS News he wished he’d found it earlier.
“I was alone and I couldn’t find a normal job because my English wasn’t good, but luckily I had some friends to help me through," he said.
Wilson said apart from the obvious fitness benefits, there were also positive mental affects for those involved.
“Rather than going to see case workers, psychologists or doctors, this is a more accessible route of alleviating mental health concerns,” he said.
There are 18 programs running around Australia.
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