Juan, Spain 2005
Juan Junco played for Spain at the Homeless World Cup in Edinburgh.
Jaun had failed to complete his university studies and went through a succession of short term jobs before becoming homeless “a long time ago, too long, more than five years ago.”
Since the Homeless World Cup his life has begun to change. He now shares a house in San Lorenzo del Escorial which he describes as “a beautiful area near the mountains.”
Now Juan has “a serious job, with a contract, a schedule and a salary” and hopes to use his education to help others. His motivation and health have both improved and he has made great friends through playing football. He shares a house with one of his team mates from the Spanish team.
Juan says: “Before the Homeless World Cup I didn’t do much sport
but now I feel like I need to do some sports. I am working as a
security guard but I always have in my mind the team and our trip to
the Homeless World Cup.
“I don’t always practice football on a regular basis because I am not a
very good player, I am too slow. But I do try to see my colleagues from
the Spanish team and play with them. I go swimming in summer and
sometimes go to the gym.”
“I want to say thanks to the Spanish and international organisers of
the Homeless World Cup. We do not realise how big and amazing the event
is until we are back home. Nobody can imagine how big the Homeless
World Cup is.”
