HOMELESS WORLD CUP FOUNDATION WELCOMES BOLIVIA AND ESTONIA AS NEW MEMBER COUNTRIES
As Homeless World Cup Member Countries, our new partners in Bolivia and Estonia can apply to take part in our annual tournament which was last held in Oslo in August (2025)
Image: Anita Milas
The Homeless World Cup Foundation (HWCF) is delighted to announce that Bolivia and Estonia have joined its growing global network of countries across the world, which now includes 73 Homeless World Cup Member Countries united in using football to inspire and empower people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion.
As Homeless World Cup Member Countries, our new partners in Bolivia and Estonia can apply to take part in our annual tournament which was last held in Oslo
The Alalay Foundation use football to support those living on the streets
Bolivia: Fundación Alalay
Founded in 1990 in La Paz, the Alalay Foundation was created as a compassionate response to the urgent reality of children and adolescents living on the streets. Its mission is to restore rights and provide opportunities for a dignified life through education, respect and comprehensive protection.
Over more than three decades, Alalay has become one of Bolivia’s leading organisations in child protection, operating across multiple cities with a holistic approach that includes family reintegration, educational support, vocational training and sports programmes.
Through its partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation, the Socio-Sports Schools programme within Alalay promotes values, leadership and social inclusion through football which is complemented by creative and educational workshops that help young people build confidence and life skills.
Alalay operates across La Paz, El Alto, Santa Cruz, Tarija, Warnes and Viacha, engaging children and people living on the streets or in extreme vulnerability.
The organisation has received strong national and international support, including from Marcelo Claure, renowned Bolivian entrepreneur and owner of several international football teams.
Claudia Gonzales de Sandoval, Executive Director, Fundación Alalay said:
“Becoming a Homeless World Cup Member Country and joining their vast network fills us with hope and commitment; together we strengthen our mission to provide more opportunity and protection to the people who need it most.”
Estonia: The Salvation Army
Founded in 1927 and re-established in 1995, the Salvation Army in Estonia works to support vulnerable and marginalised communities through a combination of social programmes, rehabilitation initiatives and faith-based outreach.
In Tallinn, the organisation operates a rehabilitation centre where football plays a vital role in rebuilding confidence and community. Weekly indoor sessions are offered to those participating in the programme, with three annual tournaments organised in collaboration with local partners - two in Tallinn and one in Tartu.
Our Estonia Member Country runs weekly football sessions for vulnerable adults
Henk van Hattem, Salvation Army Regional Leader in Estonia, said:
“I am delighted that we get the opportunity to represent Estonia in the Homeless World Cup movement and I hope to find ways to engage new partners across the country. For us, football is more than a game, it’s a bridge to community, confidence and hope.”
A Global Movement for Change
The addition of Bolivia and Estonia reflects the Homeless World Cup Foundation’s continued expansion and commitment to global inclusion, ensuring that people facing homelessness, poverty, and social exclusion everywhere can access the transformative power of football.
Mel Young, Co-founder and President, Homeless World Cup Foundation, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Bolivia and Estonia into the Homeless World Cup family. Each new country brings unique stories, communities and energy to our movement, helping us grow not just in size, but in impact. Football has an extraordinary power to unite people and create opportunity, and we’re proud to see that spirit thriving in our Member Countries work across the yeaR”
Each Homeless World Cup Member Country is the exclusive representative of their country within our network, making it a significant honour to be part of this movement.The Homeless World Cup Foundation’s global network spans every corner of the world, with more than 70 Member Countries working year-round to use football as a catalyst for social change.
Learn more about our Member Country Bolivia
Bolivia will join six other South American Homeless World Cup Member Countries, which includes Brazil, pictured below, who fielded a team in Oslo and finished 10th in August.
Through ongoing collaboration, the HWCF supports its members to strengthen their programmes, develop new opportunities and share best practice via workshops and knowledge exchanges. Alongside this year-round engagement, every member nation also has the chance to represent their country at the annual Homeless World Cup tournament, a celebration of football, dignity and hope that unites people and communities from across the globe.
Read more about our Estonia Homeless World Member Country
Estonia become the Homeless World Cup Foundation’s 31st European Member Country, joining Poland (pictured below) who finished 4th at the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup.
The next Homeless World Cup will be held in Mexico City in 2026, marking the 21st edition of the tournament.
Photos by Anita Milas John Anderson