Street Soccer NI, a charity working with homeless people and disadvantaged groups across Northern Ireland are taking a men’s team to the Homeless World Cup in Sacramento, California this July.
Team NI, supported this year by Simon Community NI, Choice Housing, Nationwide and others, will be joining teams from 60 countries during the week-long event from July 6th to 16th.
Sacramento State’s Hornet Football Stadium will be the venue for the matches.
Read next: Sports Direct Premiership fixtures announced for 2023/24 season
The Homeless World Cup is a 4-aside tournament with games lasting 14 minutes and each team playing 12 matches in total.
This is a football tournament with purpose. The year-round work and training culminates in a world class event which has the power to change the lives of participants and shape attitudes towards this global issue, using the universal language of football.
’We’re so excited to be taking part in the Homeless World cup again after it being off for a few years due to the pandemic," said Justin McMinn, CEO and Co-founder of Street Soccer NI.
"We’ve witnessed over the years what a huge impact this event can have on people’s lives. Many come back full of motivation and confidence to make positive changes in their lives including getting a house, entering employment, becoming a volunteer and more.’’
Street Soccer NI works with over 200 people every week across Northern Ireland offering free access to weekly football sessions for men and women.
Once players engage in the football they get offered support with housing, employment, education, addictions and more. They currently have weekly sessions in Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Downpatrick, Coleraine and Bangor.
Lawrence Jackson, Group Director of Corporate Services at Choice said: “At Choice, we are proud to be sponsoring Street Soccer NI and their participation in the Homeless World Cup in California. Initiatives like Street Soccer NI are doing amazing work in giving those affected by homelessness a real opportunity to improve their lives whilst developing new skills and friendships.
"It is also about having fun, enjoying a once in a lifetime experience – one they will hopefully remember for a long time”.
Jim Dennison, CEO of Simon Community Northern Ireland added: "Being a sponsor to the Homeless World cup means so much to us here at Simon Community NI. With each year we see more and more individuals facing homelessness and with that comes a higher demand for our services.
"The work that Street Soccer NI achieves brings joy and positivity back into our community and provides our clients with the opportunity to get involved in the game bringing motivation and joy to each individual.
"We are grateful for the support Street Soccer NI provides to our clients and to be a part of their Homeless World cup journey.”
Sign up to our f ree sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
