The Big Issue

It all starts here!

The Homeless World Cup tournament phase has begun; the teams have started arriving and pitch construction has commenced at Birrarung Marr.

The English team stepped off their long-haul flight on Saturday morning and headed straight for Healesville Sanctuary to meet some local wildlife.

They will be spending their first week in Melbourne visiting local schools involved in the Homeless World Cup Adopt-a-Team program, and training for the week-long soccer tournament.

The Scottish team, captained by Stephen Docherty, arrived late on Sunday night, and over the rest of the week all the other teams will arrive.

56 national teams made up of homeless and marginalised people will compete in the unique and inspirational event which uses the power of sport to change lives.

Play kicks off at 2.15pm Monday, December 1, with the Australian Street Socceroos featuring in the first match.

The teams will take part in a spectacular street parade through Melbourne’s city streets and unite at Federation Square for the opening ceremony, before play gets under way.

A purpose-built street soccer pitch and stadium with space for 2,500 spectators is being built at Federation Square, with a further two pitches at Birrarung Marr.

There will be 349 matches, including eight teams playing in the first-ever Women’s Homeless World Cup.

Click here to view the calendar of events for all the details of the opening parade, soccer matches, Cultural Festival and all the highlights of the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup.