The Homeless World Cup is a world-class, annual, international football tournament that uses football as a catalyst to encourage people who are homeless to change their lives; and to change the attitudes of

governments, media, public and key influencers to create better solutions to homelessness around the world.

The global event unites teams of people who are homeless to take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their country in an unique street soccer tournament.  It has triggered and supports grass-roots football programs in over 60 nations engaging 30,000 homeless players all year round.

At the sixth Homeless World Cup in Melbourne on December 1-7, 2008, 56 nations will be united for the biggest Homeless World Cup ever, including the first Women’s Cup. The event’s legacy will be the roll out of 30 street soccer programs across Australia.

The inaugural Homeless World Cup kicked off in Graz, Austria, uniting 18 nations. Since then it has gained great momentum in Gothenburg, Sweden (2004), Edinburgh, Scotland (2005), Cape Town, South Africa (2006) and Copenhagen, Denmark (2007). It will visit Milan, Italy in 2009.

Research consistently demonstrates that over 70 per cent of players experience a significant life change. They come off drugs and alcohol, move into homes, jobs, education and training, repair relationships and even become coaches and players.

Founded by world-leading social entrepreneur Mel Young, the Homeless World Cup is supported by Global Ambassador Eric Cantona and international footballers Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand.

Visit us at www.homelessworldcup.org