Street Soccer NI, a charity working with the homeless and disadvantaged groups across Northern Ireland are delighted to announce that they will be taking a men’s and women’s team away to the Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway from 21st August to 31st August.
Street Soccer will be hosting a photo shoot with the teams and sponsors at Playball, Stormont on Tuesday 19th August two days before teams head off to Oslo.
Team NI supported this year by Simon Community NI, Choice Housing and others will be joined by over 60 countries from around the world during the week-long event in Oslo. 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.
The Homeless World Cup is a football tournament with purpose. Our 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.
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.’’
Lawrence Jackson, Director of Corporate Services at Choice Housing added,
“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
"Simon Community has supported Street Soccer for a number of years by providing sponsorship to the Homeless World cup teams. It is always a pleasure to do this as we see the impact of this service so positively for those who get involved. Experiencing homelessness can be lonely and isolating for individuals and the opportunity to get involved in a sport, where you can be part of a team and play regularly together is so important. Not only to improve physical health but also to build relationships and have social interaction. We wish both teams well as they travel to the Homeless World Cup!"
Mick, 40, a player who has been involved with Street Soccer for over 10 years
“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.
‘’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.’’
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.
