SPECIAL MENTION: Homeless World Cup Column (The Big Issue in Scotland)
David DukeMay 15, 2006
The Big Issue in Scotland’s brand-new columnist, David Duke, will be keeping us up to date on the Homeless World Cup 2006 and how the Scottish team are getting ready!
David first got involved with the Homeless World Cup as a player back in 2003, and since then has tackled an alcohol addiction, found a permanent home, and become assistant coach then, this year, coach for the Scottish HWC team. It’s a great coup for The Big Issue in Scotland to get him writing as columnist.
“The Homeless World Cup is a week-long festival of football, where everyone plays the beautiful game the way it should be played; with passion, pride and enthusiasm. The smiles on their faces aren’t there because these players are being paid zillions, it’s because they’ve got the chance to represent their country in a world-renowned event – where the goal is not only to score but to build a better future.
This year the contest takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, with 42 countries taking part. With sponsorship from Nike and Philips, as well as backing from Fifa, Uefa and the UN, the event promises to be the biggest and best yet.
It will be my third World Cup (although there’s no need to call me a veteran, like they did on streetsoccer.org – jeezo, I’m only 26!). The first was as a player, the second as assistant coach and now it’s as coach – plus I’m fitting in coaching at Falkirk FC’s youth development centre, an HNC in community work and (more) coaching with youth inclusion project Streetleague. Social life? What’s that?
But enough about me. The selection process for this year’s Scottish squad has already begun, with tournaments being held in seven regions – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Forth Valley, Tayside, Inverness-shire and the Borders. From each area a squad of eight will be selected then they’ll come together for a national tournament, due to be held at Falkirk stadium in July. We held a tourney at Glasgow Green last week with 14 teams from homeless projects including James Shields, North Lanarkshire Foyer, the Lodging House Mission (LHM) and the Dunoon-based Help, as well as rehab centres including Phoenix House and Jericho House. After 19 games and 60 goals, the semi-finals saw two close calls – LHM nudged past Jericho 3-2, while Help also came out with a 3-2 result over Phoenix House after sudden death penalties.
Most of the teams stayed to cheer on the finalists. As we watched Help take on an experienced LHM side, we were joined by Falkirk midfielder Jack Ross. Only a mistake from the Help side allowed LHM to snatch a winner. While chatting to Jack at the sidelines he seemed impressed: “There’s a lot of talent on that pitch, and the guys seem to love it,” he said. And love it they did. Big thanks to Jack and Falkirk FC who have been great supporters of the whole event.
Next up is the capital. Fifteen teams will descend on the World of Football complex in Edinburgh on May 19. Anyone who’d like to take part or help in any way, just drop me a letter or an email.
Thankfully that’s about done for my first week. But with cup final day upon us I’d like to congratulate Gretna on their remarkable glory run so far, and to Vladimir Romanov for the job offer – the money was good, but a three-month contract just wasn’t what I was looking for!”
You can get in touch with me by email, d.duke@bigissuescotland.com, or by post: David Duke, Homeless World Cup, The Big Issue in Scotland, 71 Oxford St, Glasgow, G5 9EP.
By David Duke
For more information on the Homeless World Cup, go to: www.streetsoccer.org
Reprinted from The Big Issue in Scotland
© Street News Service: www.street-papers.org
Get a Print-Friendly Version of this Story