February 22 – While Europe’s football elite will be strutting their way round France in five-star accommodation and with plenty of cash to flash, another group of footballers will be taking far more significant and humble personal journey to Glasgow. The Scottish city will host the 2016 Homeless World Cup from July 10-16, the 14th edition of the event and the second time it has been hosted in Scotland.
Last year Amsterdam hosted the tournament. This year 64 teams, and 512 players representing 51 countries will converge on Glasgow’s George Square where three small-sided football pitches will be built with stands for an expected 100,000+ spectators over the week.
Mel Young (pictured third left), president of the Homeless World Cup Foundation, said: “We are happy to be bringing the Homeless World Cup back to Scotland after 11 years and know Glasgow will be an amazing host city, with George Square the focal point.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Culture Sport Glasgow to deliver what we’re sure will be the biggest tournament yet.
“What is important for me to stress is that this is significantly more than a football tournament; it’s a real celebration of optimism.”
The organisers work with a national partner for homelessness from each participating country with the finals event being the target for the players. The participating players have all been homeless or disadvantaged and through football they have been encouraged in their recovery by providing stability.
Even after players have taken part in the HWC, the initiative continues to support them and provides other opportunities to represent Street Soccer in other international ventures.
The HWC organisation’s international headquarters are in the south stand of Hibernian’s Easter Road in Edinburgh. The city hosted the tournament in 2005.
There were 35,764 homeless applications made in Scotland in 2014-15 (compared to 36,457 the previous year). Young people under 25 represent just under a third of applicants in 2014. The Homeless World Cup will not eradicate the problem of homelessness worldwide but it does raise awareness and puts the issue on public and government agendas.
You can become a Homeless World Cup supporter and show your football solidarity by clicking on the advertising link on Insideworldfootball.
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