Forget The Euros – Here Comes The Homeless World Cup!
The Homeless World Cup kicked-off last weekend as Glasgow’s George Square was transformed into a multi-stadia venue for the occasion.
Players from 52 countries will be in Glasgow this week as the competition kicks-off with a short opening ceremony on Sunday.
The objective of the Homeless World Cup is simple: changing people’s lives through football. From the humble beginnings with just 18 teams in the inaugural tournament of 2003 to the 64 sides taking part in Glasgow 2016, the Homeless World Cup has had an impact on the lives of more than one million people worldwide.
David Duke competed for Scotland in the 2004 HWC while dealing with alcohol-related issues after the death of his father. Since then he has completed his Scottish FA coaching badges and set up Street Soccer Scotland, a group who provide “football themed training and personal development opportunities for socially disadvantaged groups across Scotland”.
He also managed the Scottish team when they won the Homeless World Cup in 2007 and hopes more people are able to follow his lead in turning their lives around.
“The Homeless World Cup was the rope that allowed me to pull myself out of a very dark hole,” David said. “It helped me and now I can help others. When homeless people say to me I can’t change, I say yes you can. I did. So can you.”
Mexico are the current champions and are seeded second for this year’s event, with Brazil the favourites. Teams will compete in four-a-side matches of two halves of seven minutes with separate competitions for men and women.
However, females can compete in the male version of the tournament.
It all kicks off on Sunday the 10th with the 64 teams parading down Glasgow’s Renfield Street from 12.15pm before the beginning of the opening ceremony at 12.30pm. Scotland, as the home nation, start the football proceedings with a game against Hong Kong at 1pm before the women’s team take on Norway shortly after.
For more information visit: https://www.homelessworldcup.org/
