HOMELESS HOPES FOR THE FUTURE.

The Non-League paper is full of interesting ideas and news associated with the Global game. In standard newspapers, issues associated with European migration are to the fore. In the NLP, Neil Jenson turns his writing to Homeless Football. This is an issue that I have referred to before.

If you are homeless it is unlikley that watching football is something that you can afford, unless of course you visit a local league match somewhere on a local recreation ground. The homeless may be football fans and enjoying the successes of their local team may bring a little joy into an other wise dreadful day.

The homeless can also play the game, but it might just be a kick around with some mates. However it can go further than that. England's marvellous performance in the Women's World Cup last season was assisted by Fara Williams, who was herself homeless for seven years. Football has helped turn her life around as it does for many others.

The aims of the Homeless World Cup, which takes place in Glasgow this year, will include changing people's lives. The Homeless World Cup Foundation president is Mel Young, who captures the spirit of the competition by describing it as a "real celebration of optimism". He hopes that the 512 players from 51 nations involved in the tournament will be on their way to a more stable future through football.

Games are "quick fire", played on small pitches, four a side and eight in a squad. This year the matches are played in Glasgow's George Square.
There are six trophies to play for; four in the men's section and two in the women's.
Last year in Amsterdam, Mexico dominated both tournaments, following on from their men's success in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Ukraine and Chile were finalists in the male and female sections respectively.

With a 100 million homeless in the world, at least and 50,000 recorded in the UK,  there is clearly a need for some good to be done and football provides one avenue of hope. Clubs are beginning to arranged food banks and collections to support those involved.
www.gameofthepeople.com
https://www.homelessworldcup.org/about-the-tournament/