This is a Rotary Project where we are partnering with other community groups to participate in a highly successful international social change program – By providing most of the volunteers to run this years Homeless World Cup to be held in Federation Square & Birrarung Place – we will be creating a model for Rotary Involvement in future HWC’s. A unique opportunity for Rotarian’s, family & friends to utilise their vocations whilst participating in an exciting project that uses sport for social change.
There are one billion homeless people in our world today. In the USA there are 3.5 million homeless people. Here each person costs society around $60,000 a year to be homeless. It costs $40,000 per year for one place in an emergency shelter in New York.
Homeless Cup
The Homeless World Cup exists to end this so we all have a home, a basic human need. We use football as a trigger to inspire and empower people who are homeless to change their own lives. We do this firstly by creating a world-class, annual, international football tournament; and secondly, by inspiring and supporting grass roots football projects working with homeless and socially excluded people all year round.
And it works. 77% of players participating go on to change their lives. Sport has the power to change lives, to change the world.
The Homeless World Cup is a world-class, annual, international football tournament that uses football as a catalyst to help 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.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.
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.
The Player Impact
Research after the Copenhagen 2007 Homeless World Cup once again demonstrated a significant impact amongst 381 players revisited six months after the event:
93% of players have a new motivation for life (354 players)
83% have improved social relations (316 players)
71% have significantly changed their life (271 players)
29% found employment (110 players)
38% improved their housing situation (145 players)
32% went into education (122 players)
118 players addressed a drug or alcohol dependency
71% now play football on a regular basis (271 players)
Source: Homeless World Cup
Testimonials
“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
“…sport can be a very powerful tool for positive social change. We applaud Mel and his team for combining
the magic of sport with an innovative social program.” Maria Bobenrieth, Global Director, Nike Let Me Play
“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
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