NOT many kids can say they have played soccer on a floating football field in the middle of Darling Harbour.
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But for seven young Goulburn soccer players, they not only played on the floating football pitch, but they were watched and cheered on by spectators at the Big Issue Street Football Festival that is currently running at Cockle Bay.
The under 9 Stags FC players made the trip up to Sydney last weekend to compete in the festival that saw them play a total of four games.
Their coach and organiser Paul Chalker said the opportunity to play at the festival was not one to pass up.
“The kids were so excited, like kids in a lolly shop when we got there, and when they were presented their medals they would have stood 10 feet tall they were that proud,” he said.
The Stags FC juniors were one of 76 junior clubs from NSW who took part in the junior competition that saw more then 700 junior players give their best.
The popularity of the festival which is now in its fourth year was evident, when at first the Stags juniors were unable to compete due to numbers.
“We originally were knocked back [from selection] just before Christmas but then we got an email that said four spots had opened up and I immediately sent an email back and we got the fourth and final spot,” Chalker explained.
The iconic floating pitch is anchored in the harbour built on top 23 pontoons, and is modified to indoor soccer field dimensions.
Playing on top the floating field proved an unusual feeling to players as young Stag player Leigh Chalker pointed out.
“It was a bit scary and also it was going up and down and the ball kept going every where,” the eight year old said.
But the youngster and the rest of the team soon found their feet as “everyone cheered us on.”
The festival aims to promote social inclusion as well as celebrate the life-changing power of sport by bringing together participants from all walks of life.
The junior competition preludes a senior competition and events that spans over the 11 days until it finishes on January 27.
It is expected to host over 1000 participants that will play more then 300 games, including players from Australian A-League clubs.
“They did so well,” Chalker said of his team.
“After the last game someone said to me - ‘Do you know your kids held Brazil to 2-2,’ and I mean these kids were really good, in full blown Brazilian kits and there were all Brazilian heritage.
“And we were just a country team so I’m really proud of how they went.”
Each game was 12 minutes long with five minute halves and a two minute half time break.
The Stags boys did well and finished third in their group of four against quality opposition.