STREET WINNERS: The Wellington team poses for a photo before the final.

THE All Whites were not the only team celebrating in Wellington – the Wellington street football team had something to cheer about too.

Wellington beat Auckland 10-0 to win the final of the inaugural Street Football National Championships, held at Queen’s Wharf on a purpose-built field.

The event – organised by Street Football Aotearoa – was part of Wellington City Council’s Festival of Football, planned as a day-long curtain raiser to the All Whites World Cup qualifying game against Bahrain.

Street football teams from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin competed in the 14 minute games, which are played with four a side.

Players were hoping to be chosen for a New Zealand team travelling to Rio de Janeiro for next year’s Homeless World Cup.

Players Fraser Hoffe and Carina Allen

Organisations all over the world help homeless and marginalised people by getting them involved in street football and working with them to make positive changes in their lives, says Street Football Aotearoa chair Katie Owen.

The programme has a significant impact on participants, she says.

More than 70% change their lives for the better by becoming drug and alcohol free, moving into education, homes, training and jobs, and reuniting with families. Many continue to play football.

Player Donald Cameron says the Wellington team (which is supported by the Downtown Community Ministry), gets together each Thursday to play indoor soccer at Wesley Church.

Goalie Kevin Wagstaff after another save

He believes the game is not about who has soccer skills or not: “It’s about unity and integration. It’s a community thing, a social thing.”

Donald says Wellington is the only team with a female player.

“We’re not denying the fact that there’s ladies that battle [on the streets] as well”.

Carina Allen says there is a really good team atmosphere.

“Everybody gives everybody a chance and you don’t feel like you aren’t playing well enough. Everybody accepts everybody at whatever level they are.”

Her team won the competition comfortably, with Fraser Hoffe winning the Player of the Tournament award.