Menu
25/07/2019
Locals Aim For Glory At Homeless World Cup
A squad of 16 men and women from Northern Ireland are hoping for success as they prepare to compete in the Homeless World Cup.
Held in Cardiff, the street football tournament brings together players from over 50 countries, all of whom have faced homelessness or social marginalisation at some point in their lives.
Ahead of the 17th edition of the event, the male and female teams were given a fitting sent off at Windsor Park, the region's home of football.
Each of the competitors became involved with the initiative, funded by the Department for Communities, through Street Soccer NI, a registered charity football project for the disadvantaged groups within society. Crucially, the project boasts a range of support services developed to ensure that the players are equipped with the best opportunities to transform their lives when they return.
Janette Kelly, who will compete in the female squad, has told of how the sport has aided her mental health. Speaking at the send off event, Janette said: "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."
Glen Simpson, who will also represent Northern Ireland in Cardiff next week, said playing for his country is a life altering opportunity. He commented: "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."
The teams will compete in Bute Park in a purpose-built stadium in the heart of the city. With over 500 players, the tournament is expected to attract crowds of over 80,000 with millions more tuning in from around the world.
Team Northern Ireland are being funded as part of the Northern Ireland Executive's Together: Building a United Community Strategy. Speaking at the reception, Kathryn Hill, Director of Active Communities at DfC said: "The Department is delighted to support Street Soccer NI and the teams travelling to compete and represent Northern Ireland 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."
Justin McMinn, Manager and co-founder of Street Soccer Northern Ireland added: "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 six 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."
The tournament will run from Saturday 27-Saturday 03 August.
(JG/MH)
Held in Cardiff, the street football tournament brings together players from over 50 countries, all of whom have faced homelessness or social marginalisation at some point in their lives.
Ahead of the 17th edition of the event, the male and female teams were given a fitting sent off at Windsor Park, the region's home of football.
Each of the competitors became involved with the initiative, funded by the Department for Communities, through Street Soccer NI, a registered charity football project for the disadvantaged groups within society. Crucially, the project boasts a range of support services developed to ensure that the players are equipped with the best opportunities to transform their lives when they return.
Janette Kelly, who will compete in the female squad, has told of how the sport has aided her mental health. Speaking at the send off event, Janette said: "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."
Glen Simpson, who will also represent Northern Ireland in Cardiff next week, said playing for his country is a life altering opportunity. He commented: "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."
The teams will compete in Bute Park in a purpose-built stadium in the heart of the city. With over 500 players, the tournament is expected to attract crowds of over 80,000 with millions more tuning in from around the world.
Team Northern Ireland are being funded as part of the Northern Ireland Executive's Together: Building a United Community Strategy. Speaking at the reception, Kathryn Hill, Director of Active Communities at DfC said: "The Department is delighted to support Street Soccer NI and the teams travelling to compete and represent Northern Ireland 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."
Justin McMinn, Manager and co-founder of Street Soccer Northern Ireland added: "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 six 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."
The tournament will run from Saturday 27-Saturday 03 August.
(JG/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 June 2012
More Olympic Athletes To Train In NI
The Sports Minister has announced that five more countries have chosen Northern Ireland as their training centre in the run-up to the London Olympics. Three boxing teams from Columbia, Canada and Puerto Rica and two athletics teams from Algeria and Djibouti are to train here over the next couple of weeks.
More Olympic Athletes To Train In NI
The Sports Minister has announced that five more countries have chosen Northern Ireland as their training centre in the run-up to the London Olympics. Three boxing teams from Columbia, Canada and Puerto Rica and two athletics teams from Algeria and Djibouti are to train here over the next couple of weeks.
01 November 2016
Ulster Rugby Players Deny Allegations Of Sex Offences
Ulster Rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have denied any wrongdoing in connection with allegations of sexual offences. They were two of three men arrested by police following alleged incidents at a property in south Belfast in June this year.
Ulster Rugby Players Deny Allegations Of Sex Offences
Ulster Rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have denied any wrongdoing in connection with allegations of sexual offences. They were two of three men arrested by police following alleged incidents at a property in south Belfast in June this year.
24 August 2015
Around 20,000 LED Street Lights To Be Installed Across NI
Approximately 20,000 LED street lights are to be installed across Northern Ireland over the next eight months. The major pilot scheme, in Banbrdige and Craigavon, was announced by Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy.
Around 20,000 LED Street Lights To Be Installed Across NI
Approximately 20,000 LED street lights are to be installed across Northern Ireland over the next eight months. The major pilot scheme, in Banbrdige and Craigavon, was announced by Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy.
25 January 2011
Lager Launches NI Soccer Web Link-up
Soccer players have this week united with the launch of a new sporting and social web site dedicated to amateur and 'small-sided' soccer in Northern Ireland. The site, at Tonthepitch.
Lager Launches NI Soccer Web Link-up
Soccer players have this week united with the launch of a new sporting and social web site dedicated to amateur and 'small-sided' soccer in Northern Ireland. The site, at Tonthepitch.
22 November 2022
SDLP Slams FIFA's Decision On OneLove Armbands
A decision by FIFA to punish footballers who wear OneLove armbands at the World Cup has been slammed by SDLP Sports Spokesperson Justin McNulty. The armbands show solidarity with the LGBT+ community and teams, including England and Wales, intended to wear them to promote diversity and inclusion.
SDLP Slams FIFA's Decision On OneLove Armbands
A decision by FIFA to punish footballers who wear OneLove armbands at the World Cup has been slammed by SDLP Sports Spokesperson Justin McNulty. The armbands show solidarity with the LGBT+ community and teams, including England and Wales, intended to wear them to promote diversity and inclusion.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
