Homeless World Cup Kicks Out Stereotypes

MELBOURNE, Australia—The success of the sixth annual Homeless World Cup proved that sports have the power to change the world for the better.
Homeless World Cup Kicks Out Stereotypes
Andres Iniesta unlocked the Dutch defense in the 116th minute to win the World Cup for Spain on Sunday. (Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)
12/9/2008
Updated:
12/9/2008
<a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/07/WORLDCUP_medium.jpg"><img src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/07/WORLDCUP_medium.jpg" alt="CHANGING LIVES: Afghanistan (white) won the Homeless World Cup men's final over Russia (red) 5–4 on Sunday at Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia. (William West/AFP/Getty Images)" title="CHANGING LIVES: Afghanistan (white) won the Homeless World Cup men's final over Russia (red) 5–4 on Sunday at Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia. (William West/AFP/Getty Images)" width="300" class="size-medium wp-image-64302"/></a>
CHANGING LIVES: Afghanistan (white) won the Homeless World Cup men's final over Russia (red) 5–4 on Sunday at Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia. (William West/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, Australia—The success of the sixth annual Homeless World Cup proved that sports have the power to change the world for the better.

The Homeless World Cup supports grassroots soccer programs in over 60 nations, engaging 30,000 homeless players every year.

The Tournament

Fair play is strongly encouraged throughout the tournament, with a fair play trophy specifically awarded. The game is street soccer on modified playing surfaces with rules to suit four players per team.

Over 500 homeless and marginalized players from 56 nations showcased their skill and passion in over 300 rapid 14-minute matches at Melbourne’s Federation Square and Birrarung Marr park in specially built stadiums over seven days.

Melbourne embraced the event, with tens of thousands packed into grandstands cheering, chanting, and stomping their appreciation of the players and their sportsmanship, while thousands more tuned in via national television broadcast.

Last Sunday, Afghanistan defeated Russia 5–4 in the men’s final.

For the first time, the tournament included a women’s competition instead of allowing co-ed teams. Namibia defeated Liberia 7–1 in the woman’s final.

The Effect

Relatively few cities can lay claim to zero homelessness. Often swept under the carpet as a shameful reminder of poverty, estimates of inadequate housing have soared beyond the one billion mark, with homelessness affecting 100 million around the world.

The unifying power of sports can be a perfect way to raise awareness and initiate change on this global problem. The Homeless World Cup aims to do just that—to help governments, media, and the public create better solutions to homelessness globally, which can in turn act as a catalyst to help homeless people change their lives.

Here in Melbourne, research has already shown that it has been successful—with far-reaching impacts on people’s lives around the world.

Spectator surveys at the 2008 Homeless World Cup showed that 82 percent agreed that the Homeless World Cup contributes to a sense of community well being, while 82 per cent also agreed that it breaks down stereotypes about the homeless community.

Researcher Dr. Emma Sherry from Deakin University in Victoria has also been conducting research with hosts of the Cup, The Big Issue’s Street Soccer Program, since 2006.

“The Big Issue” is a large, international organization that works with homeless people around the world. It produces a magazine that is sold on the streets by the homeless.

In 2008, she interviewed over 90 participants from nine Street Soccer Program sites around Australia.

Dr. Sherry said, “[The Program] assists many individuals, much more than just the eight players in the Homeless World Cup team.

“It provides them with connection back into the community, physical activity, and links into support services.

“One out of five of the participants noted that their team members have become their family.

“The Homeless World Cup, as an event, assists in giving participants a goal, but more importantly, it raises awareness of the issue of homelessness.”

A legacy of the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup will see the roll-out of 30 street soccer programs across Australia by “The Big Issue,” providing weekly soccer training sessions and support for homeless and marginalized people.

Player research conducted by the Homeless World Cup international body consistently demonstrates that over 70 percent of players experience a significant life change. They quit drugs and alcohol, move into homes, get education, training, and jobs, repair relationships, and even become coaches.