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Northern Ireland once again seek World Cup success in Mexico

January 2019 - The East Side Advertiser

Northern Ireland World Cup hero and Street Soccer NI Ambassador, Gerry Armstrong, was on hand last week to send off a squad of 18 players who represented Northern Ireland at the Homeless World Cup in Mexico City.

This will be The 16th edition of the Homeless World Cup will take place in Mexico City’s iconic Zocalo, right at the heart of the Mexican capital, from November 13-18. More than 500 players representing 47 countries will travel to Mexico City to attend the inspiring week-long festival of football, in what is promised to be one of the most spectacular Homeless World Cup tournaments yet.

The Homeless World Cup is an inspirational week-long street football tournament that brings together more than 500 players from over 50 countries who have faced homelessness and social marginalisation.  It is expected that the tournament will attract crowds of more than 80,000 with millions more watching online around the world.

Speaking today at a special farewell reception at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Justin McMinn, Manager and Co-Founder of Street Soccer Northern Ireland said:  "This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all the players, a chance to represent your country in an amazing country like Mexico. Over the last 5 years we have witnessed the impact this event has on the players with many of them breaking out of homelessness and unemployment on their return. They will come back full of confidence and motivation to make positive changes in their lives".

"The Street Soccer NI project, and specifically Team Northern Ireland would not be possible if it weren’t for the contributions of our sponsors including:  Northern Ireland Housing Executive, East Belfast Mission, Irish Football Association, Co-Ownership Housing, Ulster Garden Villages, Choice Housing, Salvation Army and USEL."

Andrew Irvine, Chief Executive Officer at East Belfast Mission said, “Street Soccer is a truly inspirational project which changes lives!  Any one of us would be really encouraged, would have our confidence greatly  lifted, by winning an International Cap for playing for our country. 

It has been an absolute joy to see players from previous Homeless World Cups come home inspired to succeed in life as they have succeeded on the soccer field.  I have no doubts that Northern Ireland’s 2019 Homeless World Cup players will not only do us proud in Mexico – they will come home and win even more important victories off the pitch.”

Brian Lyndsay, player, said:  "This is a dream come true, a new start and chapter for my life. It’s an honour and privilege to put on the shirt to represent my country. To be in a bad situation and now for something good coming out of it. To be involved in a team with people of similar experiences makes me feel part of a family again."

Joleen Larkin, player, added: “I feel ecstatic to be part of this experience and the opportunity to go to this year’s Homeless World Cup in Mexico.  I ended up homeless due to a relationship breakdown and there wasn’t enough room in my family home.  This is when I ended up in a hostel. At the minute I’m working. It’s hard balancing work life and hostel life, but with the help of Street Soccer it makes life that bit easier.”  

More information on the Homeless World Cup can be found at https://homelessworldcup.org/partners/or on the Street Soccer NI Facebook page

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