ABOUT THE HOMELESS WORLD CUP

There are an estimated one billion homeless people in the world.

That's roughly the same number of football fans who watched the 2006 World Cup.

What happens when football and homelessness come together?

Lives change.

And the annual Homeless World Cup has the statistics to prove it.

In 2006, 48 countries competed in the 4th annual Homeless World Cup.

One year later...

92% players have a new motivation for life
73% have changed their lives for the better
93 players successfully addressed a drug or alcohol dependency
35% have secured regular employment
44% have improved their housing situation
39% chose to pursue education
72% continue to play football

The Homeless World Cup also supports and inspires grass roots football projects around the world working with homeless and excluded people throughout the year.
Co-founded by world leading social entrepreneur Mel Young and Harald Schmied, it is supported by Nike, UEFA, United Nations, football clubs (e.g. Manchester United, Real Madrid, SL Benfica), ambassador Eric Cantona, and international footballers Didier Drogba, Rio Ferdinand.

73% of players change their lives for the better after participating by coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, education, homes, training, reuniting with families and even going on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams.

More info at www.homelessworldcup.org