This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Homeless World Cup 2005
20/07/2005
A tournament, which aims to tackle global poverty
through the positive power of sport, kicked off in
Edinburgh today.
The Homeless World Cup is a street soccer tournament
uniting teams of homeless people from around the globe.
Organised by the International Network of Street Papers
and supported by UEFA, the UN and Nike, the event provides
excluded people with access to football in a team
environment - generating a feeling of belonging, enhancing
self esteem, helping homeless people to regain a
health-oriented attitude towards life and bringing fun into
their lives.
The Scottish Executive, EventScotland, SportScotland and
the City of Edinburgh Council are supporting this years'
event.
Scottish Ministers, who are responsible for housing and
tackling the issue of homelessness in Scotland, have
officially welcomed the tournament.
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"I am delighted Scotland is able to host this unique
international event this year.
"People can find themselves homeless in every society,
throughout the world. Too often they experience prejudice
and their rights and needs are overlooked. This summer,
here in Scotland, we have a real chance to raise awareness
not only of the difficulties many face, but how people can
come together to tackle these social issues.
"In Scotland we understand that preventing and tackling
homelessness is about so much more than providing a roof
over someone's head. It is important to address the cycle
of repeat homelessness and the health and employment
problems involved, by providing support and real
opportunities for people to rebuild their lives.
"We need to realise the full potential of all our
citizens. Too often homeless people are stigmatised and
their real skills are not acknowledged. I am delighted
that the International Network of Street Papers came up
with the idea of the Homeless World Cup which can not only
have a strong positive impact on those taking part but also
to challenge perceptions about homelessness and what
homeless people can achieve.
"This is an exciting time for Scotland and I welcome all
those involved in this tournament to Edinburgh. I wish all
the teams and the organisers every success."
Following new Acts passed by the Parliament in 2001 and
2003, Scotland now has some of the most progressive
homelessness legislation in the world, with a commitment
from the Executive to ensure that by 2012 all those
unintentionally homeless have access to a permanent
home.
The Executive continues to work with local authorities,
voluntary organisations and others to meet this pledge and
ensure that those who are homeless are able to access
services and support to turn their lives around.
Figures from the 2004 Homeless World Cup suggest that
sport can make a real impact on problems experienced by
homeless and excluded people. After last year's event, more
than 90% of people said that it had a positive impact on
their lives and 74% had made a significant changes in their
lives as a direct result of their involvement.
Sixteen players from the 2004 Homeless World Cup have
been signed professionally or semi-professionally in a
playing or coaching capacity by football clubs.
Research carried out amongst the 204 players involved in
the 2004 Homeless World Cup revealed:
- 188 players (92%) have a new
motivation for life
- 78 players (38%) found regular
employment
- 95 players (46%) improved their
housing situation
- 70 players (34%) have pursued
education
- 56 players (27%) gave addressed
their dependency
- 146 players (72%) continue to
play football after the Homeless World Cup