Scoring Goals Beyond the Pitch: The Importance of Transforming Lives with Football

Although my job at Luath Press is marketing assistant, outside of work and University, one of my main hobbies is watching football. I find it therapeutic to sit outside and watch the ball fly back and forth or feel the surge of adrenaline that comes with a counter-attack up the pitch.

Football is undoubtedly one of the greatest cultural treasures we have, especially when it comes to how it makes us feel and the benefits it gives us as people.

With this in mind, I thought I would write a small piece about the impact the Homeless World Cup has had on people, their lives and the support network that keeps driving this initiative. The ability to participate in a global supporting event is not to be taken for granted. Empowerment within a team can become the first step an individual has in feeling part of a community.

94% of participants say that the Homeless World Cup has positively influenced their lives with 77% saying the event changed their lives significantly. The positive impact is also reflected in statistics surrounding attendees, 86% more aware of the issues that homelessness has on the lives of those affected after the Homeless World Cup in Glasgow.

Amazing individuals like Honey Thaljieh are champions for the organisation. A Corporate Communications Manager for FIFA, Honey describes the tournament as football which: ‘will give them hope, opportunities, dignity and respect on and off the pitch and perhaps one day they will make the impossible possible.’

And of course, celebrity ambassadors like Michael Sheen make the point that individuals get to show their skill and passion for the game, highlighting to the public that there is so much more to them as people than simply just being homeless.

However, we can’t forget those who are the real winners of the tournament. The amazing individuals that take part in the event and see their lives changed for the better. In 2022, Cristian Muscalu represented Romania in the Homeless World Cup tournament in Fuenlabrada, Spain, experiencing real joy when winning within a team, leaving behind the highs of drug addiction. Pedro Carvalheiro represented Portugal at the tournament in Fuenlabrada in 2022, determined to become a role model for the deaf community, playing as a goalkeeper and leading the team from the back.

The message that is evident from those who have given testimonials for the tournament is that it allows for goals to be set, help and support given and solutions tailored to each individual. The simple, actionable message is that they are never alone when they are a part of a Homeless World Cup team.

Stephanie Centola

Learn more in Home Game by Mel Young & Peter Barr, publishing 31st March 2024.

This new edition is being released alongside the new Netflix film ‘The Beautiful Game’, streaming from 31st March!