Northern Ireland World Cup hero Gerry Armstrong was on hand today to send off a squad of 16 players who, this week, will represent Northern Ireland at the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff City, Wales. The tournament will run from 27th July – 3rd August.
Every year, the Homeless World Cup Foundation delivers an inspirational week-long street football tournament that brings together more than 500 players representing 50+ countries around the world, all of which have faced homelessness and social marginalisation. Competing in a purpose-built stadium in the heart of the host city, the players represent their country and unite in celebration. It is expected that the tournament will attract crowds of more than 80,000 with millions more watching online around the world.
Team Northern Ireland are being funded by the Department for Communities, as part the Northern Ireland Executives Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) Strategy. This Street Soccer NI project also crucially provides a wide range of support services to ensure that the players have the best opportunities to transform their lives upon return.
Speaking today at a special farewell reception at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Justin McMinn, Manager and Co-Founder of Street Soccer Northern Ireland said: “This is a dream come true for all the players, a chance to represent your country in a sport that you love. Over the last 6 years we have witnessed the impact this event has on the players with many of them breaking out of homelessness and unemployment on their return. They will come back full of confidence and motivation to make positive changes in their lives‘‘.
Northern Ireland will be represented by both a male and female team.
Glen Simpson, player, said: ‘It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and will be some buzz. It’s helped me mentally and helped keep me away from the drink. I was drinking heavy before I was selected for the trials and now Street Soccer has helped me overcome it and focus on other stuff. I hope to get employment and a place to live when I get back.’’
Janette Kelly, player added ‘‘I feel excited to represent my country at the Homeless World Cup. Since I have been involved with Street Soccer, it has helped me with my anxiety and depression. It has given me motivation and something to look forward to every week. I love the social aspect and being involved in a team and meeting people from other countries.’’
Speaking at the reception, Kathryn Hill, Director of Active Communities Division with the Department for Communities said: “The Department is delighted to support Street Soccer NI and the ‘Northern Ireland’ teams travelling to compete at the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff City. This experience, together with an intensive wraparound support service, represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for these players to transform their lives. This project started with 16 individuals and now they are one team. I congratulate everyone on being selected and I wish them every success in Cardiff and for their futures.
Lawrence Jackson, Choice Group Director of Corporate Services- “Once again Choice is proud to support Street Soccer NI. We are always struck by the incredibly positive impact this initiative has on team members and their life opportunities, so we jumped at the chance to increase our sponsorship this year. Everyone at Choice is behind the squads and we are looking forward to following their progress through the competition.”
