A street football tournament is using the power of football to promote social inclusion and celebrate diversity in Sidney, Australia, ahead of the country’s national day (26 January).

In all, ‘The Big Issue Street Football Festival’ will bring together 1000 players, including junior, corporate and government agency teams; players of the Australian professional league; and the national championships of the organiser’s community Street Football programme.

The Chief Executive of Australia’s Football Federation (FFA) David Gallop praised the format of the festival in helping people turning their lives around the game.

“FFA is a great advocate and community partner of The Big Issue’s Street Football programme because we can see the difference playing football makes to people,” said David Gallop.

“This festival showcases football’s enduring strength as an inclusive and accessible sport for all.” he added.

The community street football programme is a grassroots initiative, organised by the Australian not for profit organisation The Big Issue, focused on promoting social change among homeless and disadvantaged men and women in the country.

The recent retired players Sarah Walsh and Thea Slatyer, and current star Servet Uzunlar, of the women’s national team will lead a football team at the festival.

“The Street Football Festival is a fantastic initiative and brings together disadvantaged men and women from all around the country; once again proving football’s power to unite people from all walks of life.” said Sarah Walsh.

Following the success of its previous three editions, the free community football festival will take place at the Darling Harbour, in a specially designed floating pitch, between 17- 27 January.