• Players from this week’s Street Games in Fremantle. Photos supplied

A COMMUNITY kick-about behind the historic walls of Princess May Park in Fremantle has proved a great hit in bringing people together, but for some participants it’s much more than a bit of sport; it’s become a lifeline.

Reclink Australia’s new Street Games initiative has been particularly popular with people experiencing homelessness, and co-ordinator Simone Ireland says it’s often the only highlight of an otherwise bleak week.

“Absolutely; a couple of guys have said ‘It’s the one thing I look forward to’,” Ms Ireland said.

“It’s often a struggle each week trying to meet your needs for shelter and food, and then you watch the energy these guys get when they’re down here, it’s really giving them a lift.”

Street Games is a joint initiative between a range of organisations and businesses, including St Pat’s, Freo council, Notre Dame and the Stephen Michael Foundation.

Ms Ireland says about 15 people take part each week, including some with disabilities or people in transitional housing, although the nature of homelessness means the faces often change from session to session.

St Pat’s CEO Michael Piu says it’s been fantastic for their clients.

“It’s not just the physical health benefits, it’s the engagement in the broader community and the sheer enjoyment that’s wonderful to see,” Mr Piu said.

“Our Street to Home program has been instrumental in getting this project off the ground and encouraging clients to join in.

“Some of these clients have had very tough times over the last year so to see the smiles on their faces when kicking the footy around is very special.”

Reclink’s Michelle Duffield says the organisation provides evidence-based sports and arts programs to people facing disadvantage.

“It’s all about creating pathways to improved health and wellbeing, as well as education and employment outcomes,” Ms Duffield said.

Fremantle councillor Adin Lang went down for a kick on Wednesday and said the idea came out from the annual Reclink Cup in Fremantle, which pitches musos against media personalities to raise funds for Reclink’s programs.

Ms Ireland says the passion of the organisers was one factor behind its success, and to ensure that was sustainable even if someone had to pull out, they’ve got an army of volunteers keen to help out. But she says there’s always room for more. Anyone interested in helping out can contact her on simone.ireland@reclink.org or drop down to Princess May Park on Wednesdays from 10am.

by STEVE GRANT