GENERAL INFORMATION
About the Homeless World Cup
The Homeless World Cup is a world-class, annual, international football tournament that uses football as a catalyst to encourage people who are homeless to change their lives; and to change the attitudes of governments, media, public and key influencers to create better solutions to homelessness around the world.
The global event unites teams of people who are homeless to take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their country in an unique street soccer tournament. It has triggered and supports grass-roots football programs in over 70 nations engaging 30,000 homeless players all year round.
The Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup takes place in September followed by the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup. The inaugural Homeless World Cup kicked off in Graz, Austria, uniting 18 nations. Since then it has gained great momentum in Gothenburg, Sweden (2004), Edinburgh, Scotland (2005), Cape Town, South Africa (2006) and Copenhagen, Denmark (2007) and it united 56 nations in Melbourne (2008) which included the first Women's Cup before going to Milan (2009).
Research 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.
Founded by world-leading social entrepreneur Mel Young, the Homeless World Cup is supported by UEFA, Nike, Vodafone Group Foundation, Global Ambassador Eric Cantona and international footballers Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand.
Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup
Dates: September 2009
Venue: Copacabana Beach, Rio, Brazil
Pitch: Street Soccer pitch measures 22m x 16m
Match Duration: 14 minutes, 2 x 7 minute halves
On Pitch: 4 players per side - one goalkeeper and 3 field players
The Player Impact
Research after the Copenhagen 2007 Homeless World Cup once again demonstrated a significant impact amongst 381 players revisited six months after the event:
93% of players have a new motivation for life (354 players)
83% have improved social relations (316 players)
71% have significantly changed their life (271 players)
29% found employment (110 players)
38% improved their housing situation (145 players)
32% went into education (122 players)
118 players addressed a drug or alcohol dependency
71% now play football on a regular basis (271 players)
Source: Homeless World Cup
Testimonials
“All over the world, I want to say, we’ve got to end homelessness. Everyone should have a home; it’s a right not a privilege.” Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu speaking at the Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup
“…an outstanding example of how the positive potential of sport can play a vital role in promoting health, education, development and peace.” Mr. Adolf Ogi, Previously Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace
“…sport can be a very powerful tool for positive social change. We applaud Mel and his team for combining the magic of sport with an innovative social program.” Maria Bobenrieth, Global Director, Nike Let Me Play
“I feel like I am a real citizen for the first time in my life. It was almost like becoming a football star. I have discovered a new person, a better person inside of me.” Joao Semedo (21) Portugal, Edinburgh 2005 Homeless World Cup
"The Homeless World Cup can change the life of anyone, so that they can become a man, in everyday life. And that means above all developing values, human values, which I think are very important." Didier Drogba, Chelsea FC
“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, Manchester United
For further information please contact:
Kat Byles
Communications Director
Homeless World Cup
m: +44 (0)7901 701 334
e: kat@homelessworldcup.org
