September 30, 2006
The Homeless World Cup.
Did you know about the Homeless World Cup? I didn’t. This soccer tournament brings together teams of homeless people from around the world. 500 players participated in this year’s World Cup, which was held in Cape Town, South Africa. The final match was today — Russia won, beating out Kazakhstan 1-0. One of the truly amazing things about this tournament is the impact that it has on the players lives:
Research conducted one year after the 2005 Edinburgh Homeless World Cup revealed that 94% of the players went away with a new motivation for life and no less than 77% reported that the event significantly changed their lives forever. This is down to the feeling of belonging, the challenge of working in a team, the process of regaining a health-oriented attitude towards life, self esteem and last but not least the experience of fun.
There are legacy projects for South Africa with a football factory, national street soccer league, pitches, and training in sports journalism for homeless people all underway. Meanwhile thousands of NGO’s both locally and globally are enjoying the benefits of raised profiles, additional energy and funding for street soccer programmes.
Supported by Nike and UEFA since it’s inception several world-class football teams support Homeless World Cup teams. Manchester United coaches England and Spain has links with Real Madrid, Portugal with SL Benfica. Worldwide recognition for sport making a major positive impact on social exclusion has come from UEFA with the 2005 Monaco Cheque - previous winners include the Special Olympics and Football against Racism.
–- The Story of the Homeless World Cup
The 2007 Homeless World Cup will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark. If you would like to be involved, you can participate as either a player or as a volunteer. Or you can join the Homeless World Cup Fan Club, be a sponsor, or support the Homeless World Cup by putting one of their banners on your website. You can learn more about all of the above here.
Garden variety North American Nomad. Born in the Midwest; lived and worked on the West Coast and abroad; studied in the South. Recently spotted putting down roots in New England.
I never heard about tis! When I read the title I thought you were posting about the footall match to which the immigrant in Cachan were invited to by L. Thuram!
Do they call it “Homeless” football cup?!
Fitèna
Yes, they really do call it the Homeless World Cup. I was surprised too, but it makes sense since it is a soccer tournament in which the players are,or have been in the recent past, homeless.