Homeless World Cup means everything to Team NI player after being in ‘a bad and dark place’

Street Soccer NI have taken men’s and women’s teams away to the Homeless World Cup in Oslo

The excellent work of Street Soccer NI, a charity working with the homeless and disadvantaged groups across Northern Ireland, has been brought to the fore once more ahead of the Homeless World Cup in Norway.

Team NI men’s and women’s teams have arrived in Oslo for the week-long event featuring over 60 countries from around the world.

The Homeless World Cup is a football tournament with purpose as the year-round work culminates in a world class event which has the power to change the lives of participants and shape attitudes towards this global issue, using the universal language of football.

Mick, 40, a player who has been involved with Street Soccer for over 10 years, explained the positive impact it has had on his life saying: “This means everything to me, I was in a bad and dark place a few years back and football through street soccer has brought me right back to the person I was.

“Playing for the country I was born in is a great achievement to me and for my kids to see me on TV, playing something I love doing.

“I am looking forward to meeting people from different countries and hearing all about their backgrounds and what they came through in their own lives.”

Raziyeh, 39, a refugee from Iran, join Street Soccer for over 6 months ago, is hoping to inspire others on their journey: ‘’Six months ago, through Street Soccer, I was introduced to the football team. This gave me the chance to make amazing friends from different nationalities, and I really enjoy playing football with them.

“After that, I was selected to play in the Norway tournament, and I am very excited about this opportunity. Being part of Street Soccer has changed my life in many ways, and I am truly grateful for it.

“I hope I can continue to make a positive contribution and inspire others through this journey.’’

Team NI supported this year by Simon Community NI, Choice Housing and others. The tournament will be held at the iconic Rådhusplassen (City Hall Square) across eight days in August 2025. The Homeless World Cup is a 4-aside tournament with games lasting 14 minutes, with each team playing 10-12 matches in total.

Justin McMinn, CEO and Co-founder of Street Soccer NI said ‘’We’re so excited to be taking part in the Homeless World cup again this year and visit such a beautiful place as Norway. We’ve witnessed over the years what a huge impact this event can have on people’s lives.

“Many come back full of motivation and confidence to make positive changes in their lives including getting a house, entering employment, becoming a volunteer and more.’’

Street Soccer NI works with over 200 people every week across Northern Ireland offering free access to weekly football sessions for men and women. Once players engage in the football they get offered support with housing, employment, education, addictions and more. They currently have weekly sessions in Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Saintfield and Coleraine.

This year’s funders include Choice Housing, Simon Community, Ireland for Jesus, Hosford Homelessness Service, Made for Champions, Triangle, Belfast Charitable Society, R&A Consulting, NI Housing Executive, Ark Housing, CFC Church, Queen’s Quarter Housing, Danske Bank and De Paul Ireland.

Lawrence Jackson, Director of Corporate Services at Choice Housing said: “A key theme of Choices’ Community Investment programme is supporting initiatives that facilitate economic resilience and well-being.

“The association is committed to providing opportunities for individuals and local communities to development and prosper, and our partnership with Street Soccer NI does exactly that.

“Those taking part get to experience travelling and participating in a great tournament, and more importantly, after they return home each player receives one to one support in key areas of their lives such as finding employment or training and accessing housing.”

Kirsten Hewitt, Director of Homelessness Services of Simon Community Northern Ireland added: “Simon Community has proudly supported Street Soccer for many years, sponsoring the Homeless World Cup teams.

“It’s always a privilege to do so, as we see first-hand the positive impact this opportunity has on those who take part. Experiencing homelessness can be incredibly isolating and being part of a sport where you train and play regularly as a team is invaluable — not just for physical health, but for building friendships and staying socially connected.

“We wish both teams the very best as they head off to the Homeless World Cup!”