Street football will take over Darling Harbour when The Big Issue hosts the inaugural Street Football Festival from May 28 - June 5, 2011.

It follows the overwhelming success of the street football program last year as part of the 2010 International FIFA FanFest at Darling Harbour during the World Cup.

Staged on a purpose-built floating football pitch, the nine-day festival will showcase the National Championships of the Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer Program.

The program provides weekly football training to homeless and marginalised people in 25 communities across the country.

The festival will also incorporate a government agency cup, a corporate cup and a junior competition.

The Big Issue's Community Street Soccer Program has engaged more than 3000 homelessness and marginalised Australians since its inception by The Big Issue in 2004. The program involves males and females of all ages and abilities, and provides them with the support and tools necessary to help themselves make positive change.

The National Championships final will be held on Sunday, June 5.

For more information visit streetsoccer.org.au