By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
January 23 – It may receive scant global publicity compared to the real thing but 64 countries will participate in the 2013 Homeless World Cup in Poznan, Poland, organisers have announced.
The 11th edition of the event, which started in 2003, is staged annually with both the men’s and women’s tournaments taking place concurrently.
The event was set up to use street football as a catalyst for social change, its aim to unite homeless people in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their countries and has triggered grass-roots projects throughout the world.
Players are selected based on a street football format. Chile are the defending men’s champions while Mexico hold the women’s title.
Ryszard Grobelny, Mayor of Poznan said the city would give participants a special welcome in August. “Like other countries we are determined to tackle extreme poverty and recognise the power of football to change lives,” he said.
Last year the Homeless World Cup and its partners engaged with over 100,000 homeless people, most of them experiencing a significant life change. Official supporters include UEFA, Nike, the United Nations and a raft of interational clubs and past and present players.
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