Home And Away

July 29th-August 4th will see the 5th Homeless World Cup.

As the name suggests it is a competition for the homeless (rather than a nomadic trophy). It was founded by Mel Young, who also co-founded the Big Issue in Scotland.

To be eligible to take part players have to:

• Be male or female and at least 16 years of age at the time of the tournament
• Have been homeless at some point after the previous year's World Cup OR
• Make their main living income as a streetpaper vendor OR
• Be asylum seekers (who have neither positive asylum status nor working permit)

Anyone can participate regardless of his or her ability.

The purpose is to help give a sense of direction and motivation to homeless people that might help them turn their lives around. And if the impact research is to be believed, it is very effective.

The player who scores the most goals is awarded a golden holed sock (as opposed to a golden boot in the real world cup).

Brings a whole new meaning to playing at home doesn't it.