GlobalGiving.org: Football reaching 30,000 homeless in 64 nations

Rio Provides International Springboard for Alex

Mary Ogilvie — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:40:28 GMT

Alex is training to represent Guatemala

A USA player at the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup, Alexander Lux Bal holds the ambition of representing his birth nation, Guatemala, at the FIFA 2014 World Cup.

Alex is currently training for the national trials, in the hope of being selected to play for the Guatemalan national team in the qualification stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Alex said: "I enjoyed the Homeless World Cup because I was shown respect that I had never received before and people admired me. I never knew that I would receive that type of respect. The crowd cheered, praised and hugged me and that was when I realized that I was good at soccer."

Links:

Homeless World Cup Website

How Mexico set my heart ablaze: Mexico City announced for 2012 Homeless World Cup

Mel Young — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:19:10 GMT

My work sometimes involves wonderful highs and dreadful lows. It is sometimes very stressful and but also very liberating at other times. It is like a journey through a difficult mountain range with beautiful summits and seemingly impossible cliff climbs.

Yesterday was one of those days when I reached a beautiful summit and it felt really magnificent.

I was speaking at the annual conference of the Telmex Foundation in Mexico City. Earlier in the day, the veteran US media interviewer, Larry King, had told the audience how he had cried once or twice in his career when he was doing interviewing. "We are all human, for heavens sake," he said.

Yesterday I felt like crying because I was witnessing something of sheer beauty. I have been so well received and looked after since I came to Mexico that I knew my talk about the Homeless World Cup would go down well. I was speaking in a large indoor arena to about 12,000 spectators.

After I had spoken the 2 teams (one men's team; one women's) which had been selected to represented Mexico at the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup took to the stage in their national strips and, as you might expect, they received a fabulous reception. One player from each team spoke about their experience of life on the street and about how they had used football to change their lives. They told us how they were going to grasp this opportunity and not let go.

They spoke so well and straight from the heart. It was moving and uplifting. This moment is what we are all about. They are living proof of what I go on about day after day - that you can change whatever the circumstances. The players can articulate it so much better than any us.

Each year, the organizers from Telmex present a special jacket to an outstanding sports person. Last year, they gave it a top Mexican boxer and he was beamed in by video link to witness the presentation to the 2010 sports personality of the year. And, wow, they gave it to one of the Mexican homeless players. Now, if that doesn't go directly to you heart, then nothing ever will. A humble man waved slightly as he received a rapturous applause from the audience.

All the players were standing tall, standing proud. I know just how hard the people behind this Mexican project have worked since it started; often just hanging on by their fingertips. But it was the sheer determination of Daniel and his team and a refusal to give up on the climb up the tough mountain. Once they almost had to give up because of lack of money but they believed in what they were doing and just kept on going. Then they connected with the Telmex Foundation, which is now supporting them right across the country.

This year in the lead up to the team selection for the Homeless World Cup, 990 teams or 6,100 homeless players had been involved across the 32 states of Mexico. That is just incredible and it keeps growing. Now these people on the stage are leaders and you could feel their determination to succeed. It was just brilliant witnessing this moment.

Then I had the pleasure of telling the audience that Mexico would host the Homeless World Cup in 2012. Over 12,000 people went crazy. Three of Mexico's top professional footballers joined us on stage as we all kicked footballs into a joyous audience. All the players representing Mexico came to a press conference afterward and answered questions with honesty and humility. Mexico could not get better ambassadors.

And so, like Mexico, the wagons begin to roll forward towards Rio from over 60 countries to this year's Homeless World Cup which starts in 10 days. No words can really describe what is going on but this movement for change is gathering momentum. It was a real honor to be in Mexico City to witness these moments. We have all truely come along way since we first started in 2003 and the view from this mountain top is fantastic. It makes all the intense effort over those years, so worthwhile.

Viva Mexico. Viva Football.

Links:

More information is available here....

Famous Faces back the Homeless World Cup

Kat Byles — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:15:07 GMT

Well-known sports people, public figures and musicians have got behind the Homeless World Cup and football beating homelessness. Here's what they have to say.

"Everybody needs to wake up in the morning with a goal. That is the main thing. The Homeless World Cup brings this opportunity, to go training, to change your life." Eric Cantona, Ambassador, Homeless World Cup

“What is important for a guy who is homeless is to give him a target again in life, for him to know that when he gets up he has training. He takes a shower, has lunch and knows that he has training again the next morning. It gives him something to think about, it gets discipline into his life again. When you lose that discipline, it becomes one of the big problems for young people. They cannot find a job because they are not shaved, not showered. Everybody rejects them, they feel on the outside, excluded.” Arsène Wenger, Manager, Arsenal FC

"Football is a poem that beats in the heart of those who play it, a universal language experienced by so many and potentially a cause of great change. Kicking IT, the documentary about the Homeless World Cup, is a call to the possibility of this change. It is now our turn to listen and act." Colin Farrell, actor

"You love football. But how do you train if you are homeless? How do you travel to compete if you do not have a passport? Football is for everyone. Get into the Homeless World Cup. I do." Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United and England

“I am very happy. I had the dream of playing, one day, for a major club. That dream has come true. Football can change lives, very much.” Bebe, Manchester United

“The Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup is a noble cause and I am very proud to have been chosen to take part. Football changed my life and it can change the life of many.” Leo Moura, Flamego F.C.

"The Homeless World Cup is an event that can change the life of anyone, not simply to help them become a professional footballer, but so that they can become a man, in everyday life. So that they can develop with regard to today's society, which is not an easy society for everyone and that means above all developing values, human values, which I think are very important." Didier Drogba, Chelsea

“Meeting the players has been a great experience and it’s inspiring to see how the power of sport can change people lives.” Lewis Hamilton, Formula One World Champion 2008

"The Homeless World Cup has shown that football is a powerful tool in changing people’s lives, and it's great that we can play a part in that." Sir Alex Ferguson, Manager, Manchester United

"Exactly when chaos comes into our life, is when we must never lose hope, we never must lose faith in holy love and wisdom. If we have faith, small that it is... one day... it goes to help us to transform our life. My life is an example of this! And one of the ways to show my gratitude is to extend and to share, when I can, my luck, with those who need it. Because I believe that this way, we will be able to create a happier, more just society. As my art is in my feet and not in my hands, it is with much honor that I associate the power of soccer to this noble, social cause, the Homeless World Cup." Luis Figo

"To open and to kick off the Homeless World Cup is a poignant moment for everyone. For all the players involved standing proud to represent their country and take courage to change their lives. And for sport as it demonstrates that grass roots soccer can change lives, change the world. I’m delighted to be involved in this sporting event, and invite you all to get into the Homeless World Cup!" Eusebio da Silva Ferreira

"All over the world, I want to say, we've got to end homelessness. Everyone should have a home; it's a right and not a privilege. People treat the homeless as if they're sub-human. In order to overcome this discrimination, we have to unite against homelessness as we did when we fought apartheid." Desmond Tutu at the Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup

“The Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup hits Copacabana Beach, Rio, Brazil this September. This is Brazil's opportunity to demonstrate that football can change the world. Are you in? I am." Carlinhos Brown, musician

"The Homeless World Cup brings thousands of players a phenomenal once in a lifetime opportunity to play football for their country and change their lives forever. The determination and tremendous human spirit expressed as they have the courage to take this opportunity and overcome obstacles to create a new world, is true inspiration for us all. This is a powerful experience they will carry with them forever and never look back. They are real stars. Get into the Homeless World Cup. Participate in sport changing the world." Ringo Starr, The Beatles

"The Homeless World Cup is sport at its most powerful. Witness true passion, team spirit, grit and glory as 48 nations are united by one goal: to change the world. These are real stars with strength and courage to make real change. Wish them well. Cheer them on. Get into the Homeless World Cup." Ian Botham, Former England cricketer and Ashes winner

"Nelson Mandela created a new era for South Africa which we are all proud of. We are moving into a new phase. The staging of the 4th Homeless World Cup in South Africa is very significant. Will we take the opportunity to show the rest of the world that South Africa stands proud." Mike Procter, one of South Africa's greatest ever cricketers

Links:

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Brazil prepares for a World Cup to beat homelessness

Lynn Jarvis — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:05:45 GMT

Over 30,000 homeless players around the world are aiming for the chance to stand proud and represent their country on the global stage in Rio. A street soccer stadium with 3 pitches holding a crowd of 5,000 will be built on Copacabana Beach with the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain as the remarkable, iconic backdrop.

Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup said: "Brazil and the City of Rio have the courage to take positive steps to address poverty and serious social issues with football, a sport in which they lead the world.

“The Homeless World cup is an opportunity for homeless people to move from the invisible margins to the center of Rio, stand proud on a global stage, true ambassadors for their country, and change their lives. A ball can change the world.”

Orlando Silva, Brazilian Sports Minister, said: “It is with great satisfaction that the Brazilian Ministry of Sport supports the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup. I’m convinced that gathering people from the whole world in a great sports movement for peace and social change will create a strong impact and contribution.”

Links:

Homeless World Cup

2010 Homeless World Cup World Rankings Announced

Lynn Jarvis — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:43:17 GMT

Copacabana Beach, Homeless World Cup Venue

The Homeless World Cup has announced the official world rankings for 2010 as preparations get underway for the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup. Copacabana Beach, Rio, Brazil is the setting that will unite 64 national teams of homeless players in mid September this year. Ukraine is ranked number one in the world after their win at the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup in September coincides with consistently high performances at previous tournaments. Ukraine is now the team to beat in Brazil, closely followed by Portugal and Brazil, who will be dangerous in Rio in front of their home crowd, in second and third. Despite falling 4 rankings Scotland in 6 still outranks England in 10 with the other home nation, Wales, coming in at 36. The biggest climbers are Kyrgyzstan rising 23 places to 35 and Chile rising 19 places to 20 after they picked up the Dignitary Cup at the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup and have stepped up year on year. Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup said: “After seven Homeless World Cup tournaments nations are settling down into the street soccer format and a pattern is emerging with a number of nations consistently in the top ten. Ukraine has always performed and is now the nation to beat in Brazil in September. “It is not all about rankings. It is also about participation of the world’s nations to create powerful change to end homelessness and have great fun. The tremendous spirit brought by teams like Philippines, Spain, Belgium and Japan is what makes the Homeless World Cup beautiful and unlike any other football tournament in the world.“ The full Homeless World Cup World Rankings are available here. Every year the Homeless World Cup unites teams of homeless players from all 5 continents of the world. The Homeless World Cup has grown from 18 nations at the first Graz 2003 Homeless World Cup to 64 at the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup in September next year, which includes a Women’s Cup. Nearly 100,000 homeless men and women, have benefited since the begining and there are now grass roots football programmes working with homeless people all year round in over 70 nations Research demonstrates over 70% of players experience a significant life change – they come off drugs, alcohol, improve their health and self esteem, repair relationships, get jobs, homes, education, training, become football players, coaches and social entrepreneurs. To find out more about volunteering at the Homeless World Cup in Brazil contact lynn@homelessworldcup.org

Links:

Homeless World Cup

Ukraine win Homeless World Cup 2009

Lynn Jarvis — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:04:32 GMT

Ukraine defeated Portugal 5-4 in the final of the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup, the annual international football tournament that gives people who are homeless the opportunity to change their own lives. 48 nations, 500 players from all 5 continents of the world were united in the Arena Civica, Milan, Italy for the 7th Homeless World Cup.

Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup, closing the competition said: "Congratulations to the players. Your spirit of fair play, courage and determination is a true example to the human race. This is what the united nations can look like. People standing together creating change. A ball can change the world."

Milan officials handed over to Brazil for the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup in a high energy display of samba and colour with the Brazilians promising to deliver the best tournament ever next year.

77% of players involved in the Homeless World Cup experience a significant life change; no-longer using drugs and alcohol, moving into homes, jobs, education, training, repairing relationships and becoming coaches or players with semi-pro teams. 94% claim to have a renewed motivation for life.

Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup

Lynn Jarvis — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:55:53 GMT

Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace

“Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup”

The United Nations considers sport as a powerful tool to promote education, health, development and peace. Sport unites people of all social classes, cultures and religions in a positive and educational way.

As the Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace, it is with great pleasure that I offer my support to the “Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup”, a football initiative which has been uniting teams of homeless people to take a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives forever.

The Homeless World Cup initiative is an extraordinary example of the application of sport as a tool for community development. The Homeless World Cup has triggered the establishment of over 50 local grass roots projects working with people who are homeless and excluded from society.

The impact of the Homeless World Cup has been consistently significant with a large majority of players changing their lives for the better, by coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, education, homes, training, reuniting with families and some even going on to become players and coaches for professional or semi-professional football teams.

Considering the increase in the number of participating teams from 18 national teams in the year 2003 to 48 national teams for the current event in Milan, the Homeless World Cup is well on the way to realizing its vision - a healthy, abundant, confident world where everyone has a home, a basic human right. The initiative has been a very successful means to raise awareness of issue surrounding the homeless and to improve the image of homeless people amongst the general public. The positive impact that this project has been able to have on individuals from more than 70 countries makes it an initiative that deserves any additional support it can obtain.

I look forward to a continued collaboration with the Homeless World Cup initiative and wish all participants the very best in this life-changing experience!

A Story of Hope

Lynn Jarvis — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:48:52 GMT

All I know is about gangsterism. That, you can tell me nothing about because I know that and I've learned it...I have earned it. But I don't want to be a gangster anymore. I want to be a normal person. How can I not go overseas and earn more experience? That's what I want to do. To go and explore and bring good news out of South Africa and to another place....

Martin Afrika, 2008

At just five years old, Martin Afrika ran to the streets, hoping that street life would be better than life at home. As he tells it, he left his house in the township and ran and ran and ran until he arrived in Cape Town. As he grew, Martin became a member of one of South Africa’s notorious number gangs and gained rank throughout his life. After the age of five, he spent twenty-one years on the street and six in jail. Martin is now thirty-two years old.

In 2008, Martin entered the trials for South Africa’s Homeless World Cup team. He carried himself so confidently on and off the pitch that he not only made the team but was also named captain. He moved off the streets into a group home and immediately stopped using drugs, sharing his story of hope with anyone who would listen. Incredibly charming and charismatic, it is easy to get to know Martin. Stories roll of his tongue with ease and he seems to keep no secrets.

The community leaders and coaches around him were shocked, declaring they’d never seen such a swift and extreme recovery story before. Martin attributed his transformation to the hope he gained through preparing for the Homeless World Cup.

But things weren’t easy for Martin. His family was dead. The school he attended as a child had burnt down and the hospital he was born in had the same date on two different years listed as his birthday. With no record or proof of his identity, Martin couldn’t get a valid passport and visa in time to travel overseas and was unable to participate in the 2008 Homeless World Cup with his team.

Almost a year later, Martin admitted that losing that opportunity was one of the most painful experiences of his life. He relapsed for several weeks, disappearing onto the streets, using drugs again. Yet despite all of this, Martin persevered. He moved back into his group home in order to try out again for South Africa’s 2009 Homeless World Cup team and again has made the cut. After spending years trying to make an identity for himself, he obtained an ID and passport and is counting down the days until his arrival in Milan, where he will represent South Africa.

Amid the ups and downs of this last year, Martin shared, “The thing is, I don’t give up hope. Hope is the most important thing in life. If you give up hope, it means, you might as well die.”

Armed with ID papers and hope, Martin is ready to fully experience this new season of life.

Updates fromplayers from previous Homeless World Cup tournament's

Lynn Jarvis — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:59:47 GMT

During a visit to Chile and Brazil we caught up with players from previous Homeless World Cup tournament's who continue to inspire as they lead their lives with true courage, spirit and glory. Miguel, Chile Miguel, 32, played for Chile at the Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup. He lived on the streets for 8 years, in the doorways of banks or hospitals, and was also addicted to drugs for 8 years. Today he is a natural leader, proud to show me round Nuestra Casa (Our House), a project that runs the football programme in Chile to select the national team. Miguel is no longer on drugs. He has a job and for the first time in his life he rents his own home. Last year he got married and he will be a Dad in September. Miguel says: "This is what is brilliant about the Homeless World Cup and the Street Football Project in Chile. Now I have all this. I have a life." Miguel is a monitor in one of the tougher parts of Santiago where he is well known and well liked. This means he invites the young kids and adults from this area hooked on drugs to come along to the football. Now players from previous Homeless World Cups are all becoming monitors in different parts of Chile and the impact continues on - lasting and significant. We went along to Miguel's new home with a film crew from Chile's main television news programme. He shared his story and invited the nation to get involved: "This is real life, not reality TV. Support the national team from Chile. Football is powerful. It changes lives." Eduardo, Brazil Eduardo, 28, played for Brazil in the Gothenburg 2004 and Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup. Eduardo is from one of the 1000 Favelas that run across Rio. Here his life was taking and selling drugs to make around $250 a week (the minimum wage here is $250 a month). Then he started with OCAS and began selling the street paper where he was invited to participate in the football programme. Today he is presenting his story to 50 homeless men in Rio, themselves going through a drug rehabilitation programme. Eduardo shared: "I didn't believe it when Luciano (President, Ocas) told me I would represent Brazil in Gothenburg. And then a passport arrived for me and I started to believe it." And then there he was! The Goalkeeper, representing Brazil, away in another country. Eduardo no longer takes drugs of course. He is a super alive and shining person who is really fun to be with. He now has his own home a whole world away in the safe southern neighbourhood of Rio. He lives here with his girlfriend and their 10 month old son. He is a waiter and a plumber. He still plays football sometimes but mostly loves to swim at the beach and surf, where he is called the alligator because he surfs the waves without a board.

Links:

The Hope Cup: Reflections from Paraguay

Kat Byles — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:34:45 GMT

The 2008 Homeless World Cup in Melbourne, Australia just ended. My mind is racing as I try to cling to the images, the sounds and the conversations that took place over the course of the past seven days. I am going to need days to fully absorb and process what I just experienced as assistant coach of the Paraguayan Women’s Soccer Team at the first Women’s Homeless World Cup.

My experiences playing professional soccer in Brazil and Sweden, and now working in the field of international development at the Nike Foundation have helped me recognize sport as one of the most powerful tools for positive social change and empowerment. I have witnessed the power of soccer to teach life skills, challenge gender norms, redefine machismo and create a shared sense of belonging. My understanding of the ability of the world’s most popular sport to turn around lives and bring the socially excluded out of isolation was brought to whole new level this week at the Homeless World Cup. This was one of the most uplifting and unifying events that I have ever experienced.

The coming together of nations, cultures, languages, and colors was only half of it. It was even more amazing to see people from every corner of the world step onto the field, representing their country after overcoming so many barriers. “Homelessness” meant much more than “houselessness.” Here, ‘homelessness’ extended to the broader notion of social isolation, of not feeling supported by society. Players came from developed and developing countries: some living in shelters and recovering from substance abuse, others orphaned by AIDS or living in refugee camps, others with families but with inadequate access to safe housing on an ongoing basis, others denied mobility through cultural pressures, and still others living in extreme poverty. But at the Cup, people’s backgrounds, histories, and socio-economic status became insignificant; our differences were dissolved by our love for soccer and willingness to share the moment. The uniforms played a large role in putting us all on equal footing; only the occasional tattoo or scar peeking out from behind the outfit reminded everyone of tougher times. Watching players embrace after games and communicate through body language and laughter reminded me of how much we all have in common and of our eagerness to relate to one another.

I coached the girls from one of our partners, Fundacion Paraguaya. I worked to lead the girls, serve as a role model, and help them improve their game and mindset towards the sport. We lost our first four matches in a row and while we all recognized the greater purpose of the Cup and the unimportance of the score, it was still extremely difficult to lose game after game—by significant margins. Losing continuously is never easy for anyone, and especially so for people who come from vulnerable backgrounds and who have often felt like failures. I attempted to boost the girls’ morale through pep talks, words of encouragement and reminders of the bigger experience, but their spirits were low. It was not until we notched our first victory against Australia that the girls snapped back to their joyous selves, the ones who had marched with pride in the opening-day parade. Noelia, our goalkeeper leapt into the air, threw off her gloves and tackled me with the biggest hug imaginable.

It was not the victory alone that rejuvenated my girls though; it was the win in combination with our opponents’ sportsmanship in the face of defeat that lifted our spirits. When the final whistle blew, the Australian girls ran over to our team, bombarded us with hugs, then grabbed our hands and we spun around in a circle, cheering, smiling, laughing and crying, all as one. Our team quickly realized that the win felt great but what felt even better was seeing our opponent show so much character in rejoicing with us. This one moment changed our attitude and outlook for the rest of the Cup—from then on, win or lose, we would join in a circle with the opposing team and celebrate the sport, the friendships, and the moment together.

I not only saw my girls’ perspectives change and grow over the course of the week, but also felt my own views change through a deeper understanding of sport’s ability to bring people together and to create hope. Together we created hope in individuals’ lives for happiness and brighter futures, hope for a sense of belonging, hope that people could care, hope that communities will be strengthened to support those in need and prevent others from falling, and hope that people will let go of their fears and open their minds and their hearts. This was not the Homeless World Cup, it was the Hope World Cup.

by Caitlin Fisher

Breaking Down Prejudices

Kat Byles — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:33:15 GMT

Research conducted during the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup has shown that two-thirds of event spectators surveyed have changed their perspective of homeless people.

Over 300 fast and furious street soccer matches were played at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr from 1st - 7th December, showcasing the skill and passion of over 500 homeless and marginalised players from around the world.

Melbourne has embraced the event, with packed grandstands cheering, chanting and stomping their appreciation of the players and their sportsmanship.

Spectators feedback proves that sport has the power to change the world,

82 per cent of spectators surveyed during the Melbourne event agreed that the Homeless World Cup contributes to a sense of community well-being. *

82 per cent also agreed that the Homeless World Cup breaks down stereotypes about the homeless community. *

85 per cent strongly agree that the Homeless World Cup is a fun and entertaining event.

Three-quarters of spectators agreed that the Homeless World Cup is an event that gives them an opportunity to show other people how special their community (Melbourne) is.

“It has put a face of humanity on the issue,” said one spectator. “Homeless people aren’t just people to be ignored. They have something to offer the community as much as anyone”.

Another spectator said: “This event has helped humanise the problem and reminded me it affects all ages and races.”

The Benefits of Community Street Soccer programs.

Researcher Dr Emma Sherry from Deakin University, Victoria, has also been conducting research with The Big Issue’s Street Soccer Program since 2006 and in 2008 she has interviewed over 90 participants from nine Street Soccer Program sites around Australia.

“The Big Issue Street Soccer Program assists many individuals, much more than just the eight players in the Homeless World Cup team,” Dr Sherry said.

“It provides them with connection back into the community, physical activity and links into support services.

“One out of five of the participants noted that their team members have become their family.

A legacy of the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup will be the continued roll-out of 30 Street Soccer Program across Australia by The Big Issue, providing weekly soccer training sessions and support for homeless and marginalized people.

The Homeless World Cup has triggered and supports grass-roots football programs in over 60 nations engaging 30,000 homeless players every year.

irish playerThe Impact of the Homeless World Cup.

“The Homeless World Cup as an event assists in giving participants a goal but more importantly, it raises awareness of the issue of homelessness.”

Player research conducted by the Homeless World Cup international body consistently demonstrates that over 70 per cent of players experience a significant life change. They come off drugs and alcohol, move into homes, jobs, education and training, repair relationships and even become coaches and players.

Zambia Takes the Women's Crown

Kat Byles — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:31:56 GMT

By Fiona Crawford

ZAMBIA is glad they won the inaugural Homeless World Cup tournament, for it believes that the women’s teams in future years will be even more talented, hungrier, and fiercer than this year.

Declaring the competition “tough but good”, Merinda Namafe joked that she’d be “frightened” to come back next year once the next group of women have more training and a better understanding of the competition.

In fact, she hopes that the team’s win will inspire more Zambian girls to take up football and perhaps defend the title at the 2009 Homeless World Cup in Milan.

“We are very, very happy to have won,” she said immediately after Zambia defeated an injury-ravaged Liberia 7-1 in the final.

But while the win was welcome, Namafe and her teammates agree that the best part of the tournament has been meeting people. It was clear during the week that this was important to them, as the Zambians proudly wore Socceroos jerseys and mixed with players from other countries during a women’s training clinic run by former Australian Youth International Bess Hepworth.

Hepworth was impressed both with the Zambian women’s level of skill and their willingness to participate, calling them out to demonstrate drills for the rest of the group. She drew chuckles from the participants and spectators as she explained that although she knew that the Zambian girls were skilful, for the sake of the exercise she needed them to “pretend” not to be and to “make her look good” by allowing her to beat them.

It’s quite possible that the Zambians will take back the game of paper, scissors, rock that Bess taught them back to their country.

Afghanistan Declared World Champions

Kat Byles — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:28:57 GMT

Afghanistan Fans and Players carry the Homeless World Cup along

By Finn Bradshaw

THE sounds of 'A-F-G, A-F-G" echoed around Federation Square as Afghanistan and its supporters celebrated victory in the 2008 Homeless World Cup.

The Afghans took the final 5-4 over Russia in a match which kept the packed stadium on the edge of its seats until the final whistle.

Deserving winners - Afghanistan was undefeated all week and also beat Russia in the group stage - the central Asians took the tournament by storm both with their inspired play and their devoted legion of fans, which turned every match into a party.

Prior to the Afghanistan-Russia match, Zambia took out the inaugural Women's World Cup over a severely depleted Liberia, 7-1. The Africans, who dominated their competition all week, have set the benchmark for other female teams to aim at next year.

Homeless World Cup co-founder Mel Young said Melbourne had set a new standard for the tournament, both in terms of organisation and its effect on the city.

The latter was evident throughout the week as the stands filled with cheering fans each day, whether to celebrate dramatic shootouts between Scotland and England, or the multiple attempted scissor kicks from Belgium's crowd favourite Nourdine Benaissa.

Possibly the match of the tournament prior to the final was a tense, tough affair between traditional rivals Portugal and Brazil, won 2-1 by the South Americans. The tackling in that game was as hard as you’d see in a FIFA World Cup battle between the two nations.

One of the features of the tournament was how closely the teams followed their national team's characteristics, from Brazil's technical excellence to Nigeria's flair or England's inability to win a penalty shoot-out.

But there the Homeless World Cup diverts from professional events. The joy on the players faces from first kick-off to final whistle was testament to this tournament's ability to change lives, and its effect on the spectators.

In no other sporting event will you leave the stadium and come across the players dancing in a circle with their fans. That was a regular sight along Birrarung Marr for the past week.

After the final, on the footpath behind Federation Square stadium, the Afghan players joined their adoring fans for a wild, joyous dance, while next to them Zambia stood in a circle with their Australian chaperones singing traditional African folk songs in sweet, strong voices.

Next year, the tournament heads to Milan, Italy. You’d say the Italians have a lot to live up to, but when an event is such a strong, boisterous celebration of human nature - however trite that might sound - the organising committee has nothing to worry about.

Holding the Cup in Celebration

COLIN FARRELL NARRATES ON KICKING IT

Kat — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:29:24 GMT

This Saturday, Kicking It, the documentary about the story of the Homeless World Cup, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. Narrated by Colin Farrell, the film chronicles the lives of seven players taking a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country at the Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup. Najib from war torn Afghanistan; Alex from the slums of Kenya; Damien and Simon from the drug rehab clinics of Dublin, Ireland; Craig from the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina; Jesus from the overflowing public shelters of Madrid, Spain, and Slavan from the shadow culture of the illegal rural immigrants to the big city of St. Petersburg, Russia.

Colin Farrell was up for a chat about his thoughts on the film, homelessness and football. Warm, disarmingly open and honest, with a sincere heart and genuine concern for the players and the global issue of homelessness and an appreciation for the work of the Homeless World Cup. Here's is what he had to say in the article here:

Attachments:

Colin Farrell narrates on Kicking It (PDF)