The Homeless World Cup is a world-class, annual, international football tournament that uses football as a catalyst to encourage people who are homeless to change their lives; and to change the attitudes of governments, media, public and key influencers to create better solutions to homelessness around the world.

The global event unites teams of people who are homeless to take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their country in an unique street soccer tournament. It has triggered and supports grass-roots football programs in over 60 nations engaging 30,000 homeless players all year round.

At the sixth Homeless World Cup in Melbourne on December 1-7, 2008, 56 nations will be united for the biggest Homeless World Cup ever, including the first Women’s Cup. The event’s legacy will be the roll out of 30 street soccer programs across Australia.

The inaugural Homeless World Cup kicked off in Graz, Austria, uniting 18 nations. Since then it has gained great momentum in Gothenburg, Sweden (2004), Edinburgh, Scotland (2005), Cape Town, South Africa (2006) and Copenhagen, Denmark (2007). It will visit Milan, Italy in 2009.

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.

Founded by world-leading social entrepreneur Mel Young, the Homeless World Cup is supported by Global Ambassador Eric Cantona and international footballers Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand.

"All over the world, I want to say, we've got to end homelessness. Everyone should have a home; it's a right not a privilege." Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu speaking at the Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup

"...an outstanding example of how the positive potential of sport can play a vital role in promoting health, education, development and peace." Mr. Adolf Ogi, Previously Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace

"I feel like I am a real citizen for the first time in my life. It was almost like becoming a football star. I have discovered a new person, a better person inside of me." Joao Semedo (21) Portugal, Edinburgh 2005 Homeless World Cup

"The Homeless World Cup can change the life of anyone, so that they can become a man, in everyday life. And that means above all developing values, human values, which I think are very important." Didier Drogba, Chelsea FC

"The Homeless World Cup has shown that football is a powerful tool in changing people's lives, and it's great that we can play a part in that." Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United.

Visit us at www.homelessworldcup.org