By CASEY NEILL
TEACHING the downtrodden how to box seems a strange choice – until Adam Kaoullas explains the value to the individuals and society.
He’s lending a hand at The Big Issue Community Street Soccer program in Dandenong in the name of self-defence, fitness and boosting self-esteem.
“The feeling you get from exercise is amazing,” he said.
“It makes people feel so good. It makes you healthier.
“It’s a big identity and belonging thing. It gives them a place to go.”
Mr Kaoullas said boxing provided an outlet that could steer people away from less constructive activities, like taking recreational drugs.
He has been boxing since a young age and turned to volunteering, first with youth workers at Moorabbin Boxing Gym, after an exchange trip to the US.
“I felt like I needed to give something back to the community,” he said.
“I started working at a clinic for individuals with disabilities.
“The feeling that I got when they were improving, saying thank you at the end, it was like no other.
“The amount of joy I get from helping out and from their appreciation is amazing.
“These people have been through so much but still have such a great attitude to training.”
Stuart McGown brought the Community Street Soccer program to Dandenong in June 2008.
“We have 25 to 35 people each week and we target those who are marginalised and disadvantaged in the community and use sport as a catalyst to promote positive change,” he said.
“To get Adam to come out here and give up his own time and see the smiles on people’s faces was a real credit to him.
“We’re really pleased to have him on board.”
Mr McGown said soccer players had represented Australia at the Homeless World Cup in Milan, Paris and Poland.
The program welcomes people aged 16 and above from different walks of life, from refugee backgrounds to mental health service referrals and the homeless.
Mr McGown said participants experienced improved fitness and social connectedness.
“It’s about having a safe place every week to come along and have some fun,” he said.
“Every week we seem to sign up new players.”
There are clinics in different sports and guest speakers talk about health issues.
“We also invite different organisations and agencies to have tournaments with us,” Mr McGown said.
“We’ve had the fire service, family justice, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court, Ermha …
“They get to meet people they wouldn’t normally meet and it breaks down the barriers.
“As soon as they cross that white line it doesn’t matter who they are.”
The Big Issue Community Street Soccer program runs at JC Mills Reserve from 4pm to 6pm every Wednesday.
