13 July 2016

Over 500 people from across the world have been gathering in Glasgow since Saturday to take part in the Homeless World Cup – a unique social movement that uses football to inspire homeless people to change their own lives.

In total, 64 teams, representing 52 countries, will come together to take part and highlight the life-changing work of the Homeless World Cup National Partner network.

The First Minister went along to support the Scotland men’s and women’s team in their latest bid to qualify for the second stage.

'So fast moving, so entertaining'@NicolaSturgeon thrilled by @streetsoccerSCO game at @homelesswrldcup today
https://t.co/3Yhk3NGxYc

— STV2 (@WeAreSTV2) July 12, 2016

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

We know that sport has immense power to give people a purpose, to improve both physical and mental health and to boost people’s self-esteem.

In bringing together competitors from over 50 countries, each with their own story of personal hardship that most of us will never have to tackle, the Homeless World Cup will energise and engage people who, for whatever reason, have become socially excluded.

For the players, it’s an opportunity to develop resilience, achieve personal goals and help prevent repeat homelessness. And let’s not forget the chance to represent your country on the international stage is a huge honour that for many players was only ever a distant dream.”

'SCOTLAND WELCOMES THE WORLD!' First Minister @NicolaSturgeon supports The Big Issue and Team Scotland at #HWC2016. pic.twitter.com/W5nNhwMXhc

— The Big Issue (@BigIssue) July 12, 2016