The Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) is proud to announce its support for the Homeless World Cup Foundation, the organisation using the greatest sport in the world to encourage people who are homeless to change their own lives.

The Homeless World Cup unites teams of people who are homeless, to stand proud, and represent their country in a world-class international football tournament. It has triggered grass-roots football programs in more than 70 nations and since the beginning has engaged 100,000 homeless players in the benefits of football. Over 70% experience a significant life change coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into homes, jobs, education and training, repairing relationships and becoming coaches and players.

Founded by world-leading social entrepreneur Mel Young, the inaugural Homeless World Cup kicked off in Graz 2003, Austria, uniting 18 nations. It has grown rapidly and at the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup, 56 nations were united, the first Women’s Cup held, and a legacy of 30 street soccer programs rolled out across Australia. Next up is the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup from September 6th-13th, before heading to South America in 2010 and back to Europe in 2011. It is supported by Uefa, Nike, Vodafone Foundation, Global Ambassador Eric Cantona and international footballers Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand.

The Homeless World Cup Foundation will grow and develop grass roots football programmes around the world with the mission to engage one million players in 75 nations in the benefits of football. This is a mission that the FSF is very proud to support and help make happen.  We will keep you up to date on the progress and with ways you can get involved.

www.homelessworldcup.org

“All over the world, I want to say, we’ve got to end homelessness. Everyone should have a home; it’s a right not a privilege.” Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu speaking at the Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup

“I feel like I am a real citizen for the first time in my life.  It was almost like becoming a football star.  I have discovered a new person, a better person inside of me.”  Joao Semedo (21) Portugal, Edinburgh 2005 Homeless World Cup

“The Homeless World Cup can change the life of anyone, so that they can become a man, in everyday life. And that means above all developing values, human values, which I think are very important.” Didier Drogba, Chelsea

“The Homeless World Cup has shown that football is a powerful tool in changing people’s lives, and it’s great that we can play a part in that.” Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United

The FSF are currently exploring possibilities to raise funds for the Homeless World Cup 2009. Specific details will be announced in due course but if you want get involved, or have any ideas, drop us an email.