Ireland tackles homeless problem

ON the surface it may have all the characteristics of an ordinary international soccer tournament, but for every player taking part in the fifth Homeless Soccer World Cup getting there is as much an achievement as making it to the finals.

Like all the other nations’ players taking part in the unique event, the Irish soccer team is made up of players with homeless and drug rehab backgrounds.

Manager Sean Kavanagh said many of the players have managed to get their lives back on track through street leagues organised by Issues Ireland.

“For our lads it is a dream come through. It is true to say that the lads representing us this year have earned their place in the team having overcome adversity in their own lives and dedicated themselves over the past 12 months to getting themselves to the fitness level required for this unique event by participating in Ireland’s Issues Street Leagues,” said Mr Kavanagh.

“Suffice to say none of this would have been possible without the help of the many people who have supported our leagues and Homeless World Cup programme.”

And in readiness for the World Cup, which got underway on Sunday, Mr Kavanagh trawled the length and breadth of the country searching for players.

In the opening game, Ireland were drawn to play Denmark, the host country — and despite a spirited performance — were defeated 6-4.

Since then, the team has been going from strength to strength defeating Kyrgyzstan by 7-3 and drawing 0-0 in their game against Hungary.