Homeless soccer competition kicks-off with awareness goal

ALL eyes may be on Basle this weekend but one group of soccer fans will warming up for the big match by playing a few small ones of their own closer to home.

The country’s newest soccer competition kicks off tomorrow morning when 14 teams of homeless players participate for the first in a weekly series of games culminating in the crowning of league champions and a knock-out cup final next summer.

Homeless support agencies like Simon, Focus Ireland and St Vincent de Paul; streetpaper Issues Magazine, and various hostels for the homeless are putting forward teams for the league which will be run along the seven minute-a-side rules of street soccer.

Play is open to men and women and will initially be confined to Dublin, although a Cork league is to be set up in the new year and Belfast will follow.

Down the line the organisers hope to arrange international competitions.

League co-ordinator, Jon Glackin of Issues Magazine, explained the goals of the Kick Off Homelessness campaign: “We have to bring the message about homelessness home and by using football as a vehicle, you’re using something that has universal appeal. But it’s not just about raising awareness. This is about giving people who are homeless something to look forward to, something to focus on and bring them out of themselves.

“Homelessness knocks the confidence out of people but if they feel good about themselves by kicking a ball around and enjoying a bit of competition, they're maybe more inclined to take on another challenge. We’re working with the VEC’s Foundation Project and trying to encourage people back into education and training.”

The league is backed by Dublin City Council, which is making playing pitches available, and the FAI, which joined in yesterday’s launch by presenting certificates to four players who recently completed the association’s professional referee training course.

The competition is also backed by Amnesty International which is providing the league with footballs, but offers of help with other items of kit and equipment would be welcome.

The idea for the league was inspired by the first ever Homeless Soccer World Cup staged in Graz, Austria during the summer. A documentary crew will be following the teams as the league progresses.