Street Soccer NI, a charity working with the homeless and disadvantaged groups across Northern Ireland are delighted to announce that they will be taking a men and Women’s team away to the Homeless World Cup in Seoul, Korea from 19th September – 29th September 2024.
Team NI supported this year by Simon Community NI, Choice Housing and others will be joined by over 60 countries from around the world during the week-long event in Seoul. The venue for the matches will be Hanyang University, Seoul. The Homeless World Cup is a 4-aside tournament with games lasting 14 minutes, with each team playing 12 matches in total.
The Homeless World Cup is a football tournament with purpose. Our year-round work 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.
Justin McMinn, CEO and Co-founder of Street Soccer NI said, ‘’We’re so excited to be taking part in the Homeless World cup again this year, especially the first one held in Asia. 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.’’
Lawrence Jackson, Director of Corporate Service at Choice, “Street Soccer NI has had such a positive impact on the lives of so many young people across Northern Ireland – providing much needed support in tackling homelessness, unemployment, addiction, and mental health issues for example. Choice is committed to working with likeminded organisations who provide tangible support and guidance to our young people and their communities, providing opportunities that they may not otherwise have to build a future full of potential. Each player involved will receive one to one support aimed at making positive changes in their lives including finding employment and accessing housing. The investment from Choice is not just for football kits and travel logistics, but an investment in the future of our young people.”
Kirsten Hewitt, Director of Services of Simon Community Northern Ireland, "Simon Community has supported Street Soccer for a number of years by providing sponsorship to the Homeless World cup teams. It is always a pleasure to do this as we see the impact of this service so positively for those who get involved. Experiencing homelessness can be lonely and isolating for individuals and the opportunity to get involved in a sport, where you can be part of a team and play regularly together is so important. Not only to improve physical health but also to build relationships and have social interaction. We wish both teams well as they travel to the Homeless World Cup!"
Tristan, 24, a player who has been involved with Street Soccer for over 2 years, “Street soccer has helped me massively with increasing my confidence whether that be on or off the pitch, it has also helped me with meeting new friends from different backgrounds and cultures and gaining the knowledge of different cultures and backgrounds. To be participating in the homeless world cup is a surreal feeling, it means a lot to have been selected as one of the players to go over and represent my home country.’’
Faith, 20, a refugee from Trinidad and Tobago who’s been involved with Street Soccer for over 2 years, ‘’This is a life changing experience for me, being part of a support community that will uplift and empower me. It’s an opportunity to showcase my talent to the world, build my confidence and make lasting connections with people who understand my journey. It’s truly something special."
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 and Coleraine.
This year’s funders include Choice Housing, Simon Community, Ireland for Jesus, Co-ownership, Radius, Salvation Army, Hosford Homelessness Service, Made for Champions, Triangle, Belfast Charitable Society, De Paul, NI Housing Executive, Ark Housing, Coastways, CFC Church, Auva, IFA, Mbroidery and Colin Valley FC.
More info on event available here Homeless World Cup
