David Duke, Scotland 2004

"I started doing my Scottish Football Association coaching badges, and I’m now a certified youth coach"

David Duke played for Scotland at the Gothenberg 2004 Homeless World Cup and has since gone on to become Manager for Scotland taking them to victory in the Copenhagen 2007 Homeless World Cup.

"I was homeless for about a year. I went through the break up of a relationship then I moved to my own flat. I lost my job – it was quite a plush pad, and I couldn’t afford the rent. I had problems with benefits so I went to the James Shield project of supported accommodation. I had a bit of a drink problem as well but I dealt with that while I was in there.

I got involved with the Homeless World Cup tournament when it was in Gothenburg. I saw it in an advertisement then went for the trials. I went through the trial process twice a week. After being selected for the final 12 I was selected for the national squad. We ended up coming fourth.

It got me back into football, which I’d been involved with from an early age and then I decided I wanted to pursue a career in coaching. Through various opportunities, Ally Dawson (Scottish squad coach and ex-Rangers FC player), got me into the Street League. I also started doing my Scottish Football Association coaching badges, and I’m now a certified youth coach.

I have started running a local football team on the south side of Glasgow, Moss Park Boys Club. I’m also doing coaching certificates in various other sports. I’m also doing child protection and coaching disabled people.

When the opportunity arose to become assistant coach for 2005 squad, I went for the interview and they decided I was the best man for the job. That really set me up. Doing three different coaching jobs has brought me forward. The experience of being in the 2004 Homeless World Cup really helped. It’s helped me so I can help others."

David has since passed his HNC in Community development, went on to become the Coach for the Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup squad and took the team to victory as the Manager in Copenhagen 2007. He recently bought his own home.