The Big Issue

Scottish team are welcomed to Australia by Melbourne Victory FC

Homeless World Cup reigning champions, Scotland, received a warm Australian welcome today as they enjoyed a training session under the watchful eye of the Australian national league’s Melbourne Victory FC coach and players at Melbourne’s Olympic Park Stadium.

Melbourne Victory Coach, Ernie Merrick, and player, Grant Brebner – who both hail from Scotland – joined their Captain and Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup ambassador, Kevin Muscat, in welcoming the Scotland team to Melbourne.

Scotland is one of 56 countries competing in the largest Homeless World Cup ever staged, which kicks off on Monday, 1 December at Melbourne’s Federation Square and Birrarung Marr.

“I’d like to welcome all the teams, but of course, I’d like to send a special welcome to Scotland,” said Mr Merrick.

“It’s great to see sport once again bringing people together. The Homeless World Cup breaks down barriers and gives opportunities to people who may not have had the easiest of lifestyles in the past. It shows what can be achieved through determination.”

Scotland Coach, David Duke, played in the 2004 Homeless World Cup before coaching the national team to victory at the Copenhagen 2007 Homeless World Cup. He said that “it’s great” to have finally arrived in Melbourne.

“The guys have worked hard. There’s been a lot of anticipation in getting over here and it was a long flight. But waking up with the sunshine today, it really brought it to life that we’re here. We’re excited and ready to get into this spectacular event,” said Mr Duke.

Scotland also had the opportunity to eye off some of their competition, with members of the Australian Homeless World Cup team, the Street Socceroos, joining in the training session.

The Homeless World Cup is an annual international football tournament that unites teams of homeless people from around the world and demonstrates the power of sport to change lives.

Research from previous Homeless World Cups demonstrates that over 70 per cent of players significantly change their lives, including finding employment and accommodation, coming off drugs and alcohol and reconnecting with their families.

For more information visit www.homelessworldcup.org

Photo credit: Michael Brown / Photoworx