UEFA gives backing to Homeless World Cup

UEFA is supporting the 2014 Homeless World Cup – an event that utilises the social power of football in order to help homeless people change their lives by battling against their exclusion.

The 12th staging of the tournament kicks off this weekend in Santiago, Chile, with 42 male and 12 female teams competing in around 350 matches to be played during the week. Over 100,000 people worldwide are boosted by street football programmes each year, offering a positive alternative to the isolation of homelessness.

"UEFA has been a committed partner to the Homeless World Cup since it began in 2003," said UEFA President Michel Platini. "We are very proud of the fantastic work that literally sees football transforming so many lives around the world. Homelessness is an issue that we can be resolved if everyone plays their part. We wish all of their players the best of luck with the 2014 Tournament in Chile."

The Homeless World Cup supports grassroots football programmes and social enterprise development via a network of partners. As part of its social responsibility activities UEFA has backed the Homeless World Cup from the beginning, and the event has grown considerably since its debut in Graz 11 years ago.

"A staggering 80% plus of players return to full-time accommodation, education and employment after taking part in the Homeless World Cup," explained Mel Young, the president and co-founder of the tournament. "They are literally transformed by the experience of representing their nation and had previously undergone long training programmes in each of their individual countries."