Graz 2003
18 months after the initial idea for the Homeless World Cup, the first international football tournament for homeless and excluded people kicked off in Austria in 2003. No one was prepared for what was in store when 144 homeless players from 18 countries arrived in Graz. Who was to know then that the event would prove so successful that what was intended as a one off event would become an annual tournament inspiring grass roots street soccer programmes around the world.
Graz hosted 100 games over six days revelling in passionate and spirited football. On the pitch, the bonuses of the Homeless World Cup’s unique rules were immediately evident. The small pitch and the pace of the game combined to create a thrilling spectacle. More than 900 goals were scored, 76 of them coming during the 11 games played on the final day.
The first ever Homeless World Cup match was another outing for one of football’s most intense rivalries: the Netherlands versus Germany. The anticipation for the clash had been building since the draw was made but, in the end, the Dutch proved too strong, running up 14 goals without reply.
Scotland, after a slow start, secured the INSP Network Trophy after seeing off Poland in a close final. And Switzerland, whose popularity with the fans more than made up for some of the heavy defeats they suffered, won the Fair Play Trophy.
Austria’s first game, a 5:1 defeat of Poland, was a sign of things to come. The Austrian team, made up entirely of asylum seekers, quickly became the darlings of the crowd and were soon being mentioned among the favourites for the tournament.
The players duly delivered and were crowned champions of the first ever Homeless World Cup following a hard fought victory over runners-up England.
With 25 TV stations and 90 journalists covering the tournament word soon spread that something special was happening in the centre of Graz. And over 20,000 people turned out to cheer the players on.
The people of Graz fell in love with the Homeless World Cup. The players became superstars with children asking them for autographs and the media clamouring to interview them. Even when rain delayed play the grandstands were full as people stayed behind to create and enjoy the strong atmosphere.
At the closing ceremony every player received a medal and each team received a trophy. The biggest cheer was saved for Austria as they lifted the brand new Homeless World Cup Trophy.
The teams joined together to celebrate their achievements as the fans chanted “We Are the Champions” and said goodbye to the players they had adopted as their new sporting heroes.
The Homeless World Cup story had begun.
