In Mexico City, Football Reaches Out To the World's Homeless euronews
go to original October 8, 2012

It may not have been a conventional opening ceremony but the organizers of the 10th annual Homeless World Cup are hoping for a life changing result.

Down Mexico way, the beautiful game is being used as a means to encourage homeless youngsters to compete, engage and shape their own futures.

Its co-founder, Mel Young gave the welcoming address:

“We have a dream, that the players playing in Mexico City today change their lives, and get a home and a job. We have a dream, that the rest of the world looks at what’s going on here and joins in, so that thousands of people can pick a ball up and change their lives.”

Sixty-two teams are participating in the four-aside matches in a tournament open to both men and women. And many who have done so in the past have returned home to help inspire others.

And just for the record the opening match saw hosts Mexico beat South Africa 7-4.

The matches are being broadcast live on the official website of the Homeless World Cup.

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