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More than 25 homeless footballers took part in trials organised by Kent charity Porchlight for the Homeless World Cup this week.
The first-stage trials for the South East region were held at the University of Kent with support from Canterbury City Football Club staff who were on hand to offer advice about player selection.
Richard Barnard, Activity Worker for homelessness charity Porchlight said: “It’s amazing to be involved with such a big tournament as this level. Getting involved in sport can make all the difference for vulnerable people. It gives them a chance to build the skills and confidence they need to move forward with their lives.”
The annual global event unites teams of people who are homeless to take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their country in a unique street soccer tournament. This year’s tournament takes place in Paris in August.
The result of the trial will see up to 11 local people make it through to the next stage at Manchester United along with other hopefuls from across the UK.
Kerry, 17, was at the trial. A few months ago she found herself sleeping on friends’ sofas after a relationship breakdown with her family but now thanks to Porchlight she is getting her life back on track and staying at one of the charity’s accommodation projects in Canterbury: “If it wasn’t for Porchlight I would have ended up on the streets. They have not only helped me with accommodation but also the opportunity to get involved in activities like football which has been a big boost. I would never have been the sort of person to think about doing any exercise but I really enjoy being part of a team and getting the chance to go to Manchester United would be awesome.”
In 2009 a homeless man using Porchlight’s services was hand picked from over 1,200 people to represent England in Milan as goalkeeper.
For more information visit the Homeless World Cup website. (opens in new window)
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Notes:
1. The trials are open to anyone who has been homeless at some point after 01.08.2010, in accordance with the national definition of homelessness.
2. The Homeless World Cup website states that “Research consistently demonstrates that over 70 per cent of players experience a significant life change. They come off drugs and alcohol, move into homes, jobs, education and training, repair relationships and even become coaches and players.”
3. The first-stage trials were hosted by various homelessness agencies and partners across the country. Porchlight, which supports single-homeless people across the county, was asked to organise one of the two South East events.
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