The Homeless World Cup 2011 kicks off this weekend in Paris with 64 teams representing countries from all over the world. Comprised of homeless and socially marginalised players, the teams will come together for seven days of intense street football. Six streetfootballworld network members will be participating in the tournament.

For the players taking part, the tournament represents an unlikely opportunity to achieve a dream shared by millions: to wear their national colours with pride, represent their country on the pitch and enjoy the adulation of the crowd.

streetfootballworld network members Oltalom Sports Association (Hungary), Slum Soccer (India), The Big Issue (Australia), Search and Groom (Nigeria), CAIS (Portugal) and SAHSS (South Africa) are travelling to France to join the experience.

Portugal has been named the number one side at this year’s event. Henrique Pinto, manager of the Portugal team, noted that this “is an unmistakable worldwide recognition of the serious hard work the CAIS Association has done during the past eight years”.

Slum Soccer, formerly known as Krida Vikas Sanstha Nagpur (KVSN), and Tottenham Hotspur renewed their partnership before the event started, ensuring that Slum Soccer will have “access to their sporting and commercial expertise, and (will) bring inspiration not just to our team but to all those in India who are finding hope for the future through football”, says founder of Slum Soccer, Professor Vijay Barse.

Putting homelessness in a global spotlight
As the Homeless World Cup annual tournament approaches its tenth year it continues to influence spectators, media and governments to change their opinions and approaches toward the issue of homelessness. To date more than 70 grassroots football programmes have been triggered worldwide.

Mel Young, President and Co-Founder of the Homeless World Cup said: “The Homeless World Cup exists to end homelessness. The impact of this competition is profound. It has engaged over 100,000 homeless people since it started.

“The Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup is an opportunity for homeless people to move from being invisible to stand proud on a global stage, and to be true ambassadors for their country.”

streetfootballworld wishes all teams at the tournament best of luck in the matches and looks forward to an unforgettable celebration of the power of football to change lives.