On the invitation of the Big Issue’s George Halkias, along with Port Phillip Prison Aboriginal Liaison Officer Steve Nobbs, Football Federation Victoria (FFV) recently participated in the annual Football Prison Tournament.
An enthusiastic mix of eleven FFV staff and FFV Director Kimon Taliadoros made their way to Port Phillip Prison near Laverton, Victoria’s biggest maximum-security prison, for a yearly round robin football tournament, which pits invited company employees against prisoners in a large inflatable pitch.
At the Marlborough Unit where the tournament was played, alongside FFV were representatives from National Australia Bank (NAB) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) as well as several teams made up of prisoners.
After a short briefing by prison staff and tournament organisers George Halkias and Steve Nobbs, visitors were treated to a delightful morning tea that had been prepared by the prisoners.
A total of three games were played throughout the day, with a lot of football talent within the prison making the games challenging but fair.
FFV have expressed their gratitude to the prison staff, prisoners, and George Halkias and Steve Nobbs, who extended the invitation to participate, providing the FFV staff with a unique and life-changing experience.
The day was concluded with an escorted tour to several other areas of the prison.
George Halkias is best known for the development of the Big Issue Street Soccer Program, which uses soccer to engage and develop homeless and marginalised people. He is a coach of the Australian Homeless World Cup Football Team.