The fields in Melbourne, Australia aren't this quiet any longer. Today (Monday, Australia time) 500 players from 56 nations started match play in the Homeless World Cup. Over the next week they'll play more than 400 games of street soccer: maximum of 4 players per side, two halves of 7 minutes, court size 22x16 meters

The tourney started with a parade and opening ceremony featuring indigigenous dancers, the Choir of Hard Knocks, comments from Australia's Victorian Premier John Brumby... An original student production, 'The Football Ballet' choreographed to The Nutcracker Suite was certainly a fan favorite.

Over the past few days, some Autralian Socceroos (members of the Australian soccer team, no relation to the snack-classic Dunkaroos) took a moment to voice their support of the tournament. Check them out on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more news from the HWC

YouTube