The day my life began again
On this day in 2017, the Homeless World Cup opened its first tournament in the heart of Oslo, with the Rådhusplassen pitches welcoming 49 nations and over 500 players. Two of the players, sporting the colours of the home nation, were Bettina Arnesen de Nijs and Ken Wick, their adrenalin rushing, anticipation high and dreams yet to be fulfilled. Fast forward eight years and the duo have returned, this time as spectators and this time with memories rushing back and dreams fulfilled beyond measure.
“I have a lot of good memories, especially the atmosphere, and not just the experience of the games but meeting other people for the first time, just being in the moment,” Bettina recalls.
“Walking in the parade was like a big party, people were cheering, everyone was happy, the music was everywhere - it was like 17 May, our National Day of Norway. It’s a very special thing to walk down the main street of Oslo, with the police horses at the front, all the traffic stopped for you!
“Our first match, against Chile, opened the tournament,” she continues. “I was the only Norway player who scored a goal because the Chile girls were very good. There were so many people cheering us on from the stands and I was so nervous.”
At that time Bettina had been out of work for many years, was in and out of rehab, and felt alienated by society. Representing Norway was the first time she had dared to step out of her comfort zone after hiding away for many years, wary of others and scared of new situations.
“But it was also the start of growing a lot, she adds. “I pushed myself, it set the ball rolling for the ‘new me’ in the right direction, and after that I felt stronger.”
In a full circle moment Bettina, now 37, attended the opening of the 2025 tournament with her two daughters and husband, none of whom figured in her life eight years ago.
“That’s the funny part,” she laughs, “because the man who became my husband was here watching me play in the last World Cup. His office was opposite Rådhusplassen and he used to come and sit in the bleachers to eat his lunch. He saw me - I didn’t see him - then he contacted me on Instagram with a picture he had taken of the match.
“Now he’s my husband and my life has changed a lot since that time. Our daughters are aged three and five and when we came to the opening of the tournament the girls were wearing my old team shirts and cheering, waving flags.”
Bettina is still connected with the beautiful game and works at her local football club where she continues to play seven-a-side, training three times a week.
“I had no idea, back in 2017, that my life would turn out like this - Homeless World Cup is where it all started rolling in the right direction - and now I have the life I always dreamed of.”
Though there was no ‘reader I married him’ moment for 55-year-old Ken Wick, the 2017 player for Norway has vivid memories of his time on the pitches. “I particularly remember our opening game against Brazil,” he recalls, “and I scored our very first goal of the tournament. My focus was on the football but I remember the times between and after the matches with the guys, talking with people from other countries and finding out about their cultures.”
Ken began playing football in 2016 for his local club in Tønsberg and is now one of their coaches - the club have one girl and one boy representing Norway at Homeless World Cup this year. By the time of the 2017 event he had finished with rehab, was renting an apartment and had just become involved with the Salvation Army in Tønsberg, who he has worked for ever since.
“Playing at the Homeless World Cup was very important for me - the football and the social side of the event. It was a very positive influence for me. When I heard it was coming back to Oslo my first thought was that I would love to play for Norway again - but of course I can’t! (NB: players can only play once in the tournament)”
The intervening years have also seen an increase in Ken’s family - from one grandchild in 2017, he now has four. Have they inherited his love of football?
“The oldest girl is twelve and she has no interest in football,” he sighs. “The younger girls are still very little - but maybe some day!”
Participating in Homeless World Cup remains a beacon moment in Ken’s life - what would his advice be to others who have the chance to play in the future?
“We have a player with us this year and he’s already asked me if it’s possible for him to be in the Norway team for 2026,” Ken reveals. “My advice to him, and everyone who asks is always, ‘of course, go for it’.”
Words by Isobel Irvine | Photos by Anita Milas