Portugal
PROGRESS FOR TOP RANKING FOR PORTUGAL
Posted by Portugal - 16.05.2011
We catch up with the CAIS organisation, the Homeless World Cup national partner in Portugal.
In May 1994, CAIS was founded to assist those suffering extreme poverty and social exclusion, notably those who are homeless, to regain independence and control of their lives through participation in sport.
CAIS are the organisers of the Portugal Homeless World Cup team which is selected through an annual National Football Championship which brings together teams of Street Soccer players from across Portugal.
A grand final will be held from 30th July to 1st August 2011 at the Congress Centre in Lisbon where the team to represent Portugal at the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup will be finalised.
In August 2010 former CAIS player, Bébé, was signed by Manchester United for £7m. He scored on his full debut for the club before a crowd of 46,083 at Old Trafford.
Portugal has appeared at every Homeless World Cup and, despite never winning the tournament, their consistently high placements has assured they arrive at the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup as the top ranking side.
Henrique Pinto, manager of the Portugal team said: “To be the top ranking side is an unmistakable worldwide recognition of the serious hard work the CAIS Association has done during the past eight years.
“Players from Portugal have participated in every Homeless World Cup tournament and have not only proven to be winners on the football pitch but also beyond it -this is an excellent example of what it means to be empowered and autonomous again.”