Opening parade tells Oslo: the Homeless World Cup is here!
“Excuse me, do you know what this is?”
The opening parade has barely kicked-off as the first passers-by stop us to ask. That’s precisely the question you want to hear when the Homeless World Cup lands in a different city every year. In Oslo today, the waving flags, the colourful kits and singing players certainly captured the city’s attention.
The parade means the public sees footballers first, changing perceptions immediately. This tournament sparks curiosity, understanding and respect, right from the moment the players put on their national jerseys.
As teams from 48 nations gather next to Oslo’s central station, tourists stop by to see if their country is represented. “Ah, the street soccer team, they were on the plane with me!”, exclaims an American tourist, who is visiting Oslo with her mother. They are quick to look up the match schedule to find out when their team is playing.
A Danish family cheer when team Denmark passes by in their bright red shirts. And when team Indonesia arrives, a waiter runs out of the restaurant he is working in, to shout “Indonesiaaaaa!”
Supported by no less than four marching bands, over 500 players make their way through Oslo’s main shopping street. They dance, high five each other and the crowds who stop to watch. Shoppers get their phones out to film, take photos and wave at the players. The first ball is yet to be kicked, but this tournament is already uniting people.
Some teams have even brought special outfits and props: Team Australia carry their inflatable kangaroos, while the Italians opt for Roman attire. Team India show off beautiful white saris and the Mexican men and women wear wrestling masks. Whatever the dress, everyone’s wearing the same thing: a big smile. This is a parade full of hope, pride, anticipation and excitement.
Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Homeless World Cup founder Mel Young
Arriving on the beautiful harbour side next to Rådhusplassen as the sun shines down, players are welcomed into the venue by this year’s local event organisers, the Norwegian Salvation Army.
Homeless World Cup founder Mel Young is greeted by many former players, who recognise him from previous tournaments where they played, before coming back as coaches or support staff. “Football is so powerful, it can make a change”, he says to packed crowds in the stands. “And we will see this change happening here over the next eight days.”
Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe offers waves and big smiles to all and is visibly moved by the spectacle. Her opening remarks on the pitch underline the city’s commitment:
Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe
“Oslo is so proud to host this event. Too many people lack a safe home and there is much work to do. We stand with you. Players, you inspire us. Are you ready to play?”
A roar from the crowd makes the answer clear.
Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide tells the packed stadium that they can inspire the whole world. “Football brings people together and teaches us teamwork and mutual respect. If there is something the world needs, it is this”
Head of the Salvation Army Knud David Welander hopes the players build “fellowship and friendship” throughout the week, as well as “memories to last a lifetime”.
Accompanied by the beats of Norwegian DJ Matoma and the Turn The Tables collective, the first of those memories are already being made. The teams jump and dance in the packed stands as the flag bearers enter the pitch. The world’s most sporting street party, the Homeless World Cup, has well and truly begun.
Word by Danielle Batist | Photos by Anita Milas