The True Story of the Homeless World Cup, by Mel Young

Filed under: Themes, Bum Deal, Addictions, Books & Book Reviews

Mel Young, the President and Co-founder of the Homeless World Cup, is recognised as one of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs. In 1993 he co-founded The Big Issue in Scotland (with Tricia Hughes), a magazine sold by homeless people in the streets of Scotland with a weekly circulation of 40,000. With the success of The Big Issue, he helped set up the International Network of Street Papers, a global network of over sixty street papers sold in every continent, of which he is Honorary President.

The Homeless World Cup is an annual, international football tournament (called “Soccer” in North America), uniting teams of people who are homeless and excluded to take a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives forever.

A staggering 77% of players who participate in the event go on to change their lives for the better by coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, education, homes, training, reuniting with families, and even going on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams.

(Excerpts from GOAL! The Story of the Homeless World Cup,by founder Mel Young—click here to buy)

***

A significant proportion of those people becoming homeless have previously been brought up “in care,” a British term for living in a children’s home. The Government is now fully aware of this issue and works closely with those leaving care. However, if someone falls through the net, it is easy to become homeless at a very young age. Simply giving someone a house at this stage is not a solution because they are potentially so disorientated that they have no idea how to survive.

I remember well the experiences of a man who was aged only seventeen when he first started selling The Big Issue in Scotland. He had obvious intelligence, allied to a sharp wit and a willingness to help. Yet he found it difficult to read and write and perceived himself to be an outcast. We would find him a house but he only ever lasted a couple of days, always citing some excuse to explain why he was back sleeping on the streets.

It was in the early days of the magazine and we couldn’t work out exactly what the problem was. At the same time, we were beginning to test the patience of the housing agencies we were working with.

The issue was simple, however. He found it much safer to be on the streets. That is where he was most at ease. For those of us who live in the housed world, the streets represent a dangerous and terrifying place. Reality shows that this can be true, but for this young man, the thought of living in a house was just as troubling. But he always said that’s where he wanted to be. The challenge, therefore, was to work with him to create a path from the street to a house. It wasn’t easy and was often characterised by lows when he suddenly “self-destructed” and fled.

There was a time when he had settled into what seemed to be the perfect flat for him. It was central and he shared with other people—something he was keen on. They were all students and it suited everyone perfectly. One of the bedrooms, however, had always been empty as a student had been at school abroad for a while. On the eve of this individual’s return, the young man disappeared back onto the streets.

When asked about what had happened, he told me that he had been apprehensive about the student’s return. Though never having met them, he had convinced himself that the returning student wouldn’t like him, meaning that he had to get out immediately, despite loving his flat and the people who stayed there.

“This is ridiculous,” I said, “Everyone likes you.”

But it was too late. I wanted to weep and scream in frustration. And so it goes on. Thousands of homeless people who are marginalised by society find it so difficult to reintegrate. The process can take a long time and cannot be solved by simply throwing people into houses. I try to explain this to people who suggest solutions are found in building houses. I tell them of the individual stories. And I urge that they speak to homeless people and listen with an open ear.

The street paper provides a platform where homeless people can earn a living. For some, it is not enough. Other projects are required. And playing football was to become one of them. Harald and I were determined to achieve that.

***

The crowds coming to watch the games had been growing steadily and their enjoyment was obvious. People who loved sport were relishing the excitement of the competition, especially having witnessed Austria being involved in a pulsating qualifying section.

But it was not just a football tournament. The circumstances of the players added a special dimension that appeared to connect with the spectators. They cheered, no matter what country the player came from, and no matter how brilliant or poor at football they happened to be.

There was an evening when Harald and I were standing by the main arena when we became aware of a commotion on the streets nearby. The Dutch squad were approaching and people who had been sitting at cafes had risen to their feet and had begun applauding. There were children running up to the players and demanding that they sign autographs, and the team was being followed by a band of supporters. It was a remarkable sight.

Harald and I looked at each other.

“So, that will be homeless people, then,” we said in unison.

A transformation was taking place. A week previously, and these very same people would have been reviled, spat upon and often assaulted for no other reason than for being homeless. They are slammed by politicians and media commentators, who blame them for the many ills of city life, and demand that homeless people be removed as they are littering our streets and turning away potential tourists.

What was going on? The answer was simple and provides the basis for solutions throughout the world. The important point to remember is that the people have not changed. But the landscape had. The challenge, if we are to end homelessness and tackle poverty, is for us to create a different environment. This must also include changing our own introverted attitudes. The residents of Graz were spectating in growing numbers because they could sense something of great value was unfolding.

With all this attention, we could only hope that the football would live up to its billing.

***

His name is Modesto. It may mean ‘modest’ yet it is his innocence that is most apparent. He remains a believer in people and trusts in a better tomorrow. It is unusual to hear such sentiments from a man who has spent over five years living on the streets.

“Bad luck and a bad head,” he replies, when asked how he became homeless. “I had some problems with gambling and my head can bring me bad ideas. I didn’t want to be kidnapped by them anymore.”

Football was to provide the necessary diversion, and Modesto was to represent Spain in the 2003 Homeless World Cup. It was a magical experience and he is keen to share his enthusiasm and encourage other homeless people to train towards it.

“The tournament was so important for me, that I now feel a debt to it. I am supporting the organisers, and the players, and I will do everything I can to help. I am sure my own experience will be of real value and I want to share it.”

Modesto had lived in the centre of Madrid with five dogs and a cat. There were no shelters, no rented houses and no hostels. But, he admits, there was a sense of freedom.

“And, in general, people were kind,” he says. “They knew I wasn’t a thief, and they trusted me. People would even ask me to take care of their market stalls and I felt I was part of the community, even if I didn’t have a proper home. And although it is very hard to be homeless, I was able to get by. It was a peculiar life, very uncomfortable but not as dramatic as some people would make out.”

Circumstances have since changed for Modesto. He is currently living in a hostel with his girlfriend and his son, who is two months old.

“A roof is needed for little David. We asked the authorities for an opportunity to take care of him. I understand that a child cannot live on the streets. We are doing everything, obeying every little rule, in order to stay with my son. I want to show that I am a good father.”

When Modesto is asked whether taking part in the Homeless World Cup altered his attitude to life, his face immediately lights up. His answer is obvious.

“Let me tell you,” he states. “When I returned from Graz, the police had taken all my possessions which I had hidden in the park. All I had in the world was the great feelings I brought back from Austria. They were of friendship. I could only speak Spanish and everyone else spoke their own language but, and I don’t know how, we all managed to understand each other.

“I had never, in all my life, traveled out of Spain. I’d never even been on a plane and suddenly all my dreams were becoming true. They were coming true through football, something that I had always loved playing. For me, it was wonderful meeting up with those in similar circumstances to me. I don’t know how but I could follow what the other players were saying even if I couldn’t recognise a single word.

There was a universal language: football. And just one spirit: to show the world that homeless people are not aliens.

To learn more, or to get involved, please visit:
www.homelessworldcup.org
www.homelessworldcup.tv

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