The Homeless World Cup is a world-class annual, international football tournament that unites teams of people who are homeless. Participation gives players a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country, raise self esteem and hopefully change their lives forever. On a wider level the event has triggered and developed grass roots football projects in over 70 nations working with over 30,000 homeless and excluded people throughout the year cycle.

The impact of involvement in the event is unprecedented. Over 70% of the players who participate manage to change their lives coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, education, homes, training and reuniting with formerly alienated families. Some also become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams after completing college courses.

The event has come a long way since the first Homeless World Cup took place in Austria (Graz) in 2003. Whilst the initial event united 18 national teams it has since grown to unite the 64 nations whom will play at the 2010 Homeless World Cup in Rio. An event that this year also includes a Women’s Cup. Looking further ahead 'Paris' the capital of France is to be the host of the 2011 Homeless World Cup.

Sponsorship of the event is massive with it being supported by Nike, the United Nations, UEFA and the Vodafone Foundation. Global Ambassadors of the event are Eric Cantona and also current international footballers Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand.

This year a number of initiatives have been out together to make the 2010 event bigger and better than previous tournaments.

VOLUNTEER RIO: A 2010 CHALLENGE

This initiative sees the opportunity for 30 individuals to raise funds and volunteer at the 8th Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup. These volunteers will join 64 national teams of homeless players on Copacabana Beach, Rio in Brazil from 18-27 September 2010 for the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup.

In a 2010 'Rio challenge' the aim is to raise £2,300 in sponsorship to enable one homeless player to participate in the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup. Many players miss out on the event due to personal problems or funding issues. This sponsorship will also cover the cost of a flight, and accommodation to the event for the volunteer.

THE CORPORATE CUP

The Corporate Cup invites organisations across the UK to compete for glory and take a stand to end homelessness. The champions of the tournament will travel to Copacabana Beach Rio, Brazil, to unite with 64 nations participating in the 8th Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup and take on the Homeless World Cup All Stars in an exhibition match in the 5,000-seater street soccer stadium.

The tournament is directed especially at corporates across the UK to challenge each other at football. The winning team has the chance to unite with 64 nations and take on the Homeless World Cup All Stars for World Cup glory on the global stage of the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup. This game will be shown live on the homeless world cup website. The Corporate Cup will be held on 22 May in Scotland and 5 June in England.

FOOTBALL BOX

The Football Box is a football coaching and education programme that includes football equipment. Each box travels to the far corners of the globe to deliver the benefits of football to homeless people in the most deprived nations of the world. One Football Box is only £500 and provides coaching education and equipment for five homeless people to work with 100 homeless players in their community.

A Football Box is a football coaching education programme and associated equipment that can travel to the far corners of the globe to deliver the benefits of football to homeless people in the most deprived nations of the world. One Football Box is only £500 and provides coaching education and equipment for five homeless people to work with 100 homeless players in their community. The impact is profound. Homeless players adopt a healthy training routine, become part of a team, acquire coaching skills  and regain their self-respect from which to build the foundations of a new life. Our ambition is to reach 240,000 homeless people with the Football Box by 2015 with the first Football Boxes going out to India, Uganda, Ghana, Brazil and Chile in 2010.

What's in a Football Box?

Football coaching education and equipment to reach 100 homeless players with the benefits of football, includes:

5 Coaching Manuals
5 Leadership Training Places
5 Coach Shirts
5 Coach Kit Bags
5 Football Pumps
20 Footballs
60 Bibs
60 Cones

Most football fans who watch the game and play football at whatever level are aware of the benefits that can be gained from playing the game. From organised 11-a side football to five a-side kick-abouts on a Sunday morning football can enable fitness, self esteem and self worth within a team environment. For people struggling with the pain and desolation of homelessness participation in the Homeless world cup offers people the chance to really make a start at change. To find out about the concept of the Homeless World Cup please visit the official website.

http://www.homelessworldcup.org/