Man Utd stars give support to England's Homeless World Cup squad | 24dash.com - Social Housing

Man Utd stars give support to England's Homeless World Cup squad 24dash.com - Social Housing


Published: 29/08/2006 - 14:33:52 PM Printable version Send to a friend

Rio Ferdinand dropped in onEngland's Homeless World Cupsquad
Manchester United stars Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown have given England's Homeless World Cup squad some final tips to help the players prepare before the tournament kicks off in South Africa in September.

Man Utd stars give support to England's Homeless World Cup squadBack to Social Housing


Publisher: Jon LandPublished: 29/08/2006 - 14:33:52 PM Printable version Send to a friend

Rio Ferdinand dropped in onEngland's Homeless World Cupsquad
Manchester United stars Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown have given England's Homeless World Cup squad some final tips to help the players prepare before the tournament kicks off in South Africa in September.
The Old Trafford team-mates dropped in on the squad's training session on Thursday at Manchester United's Carrington ground to offer words of encouragement.
Mr Ferdinand said: "It was fantastic to meet the England team. They're a great bunch of lads who are working really hard to prepare themselves for the challenge ahead. I'm sure they'll do their country proud."
The team, which is managed by The Big Issue in the North charity with coaching support from Manchester United, has been training and playing matches throughout summer in readiness for the World Cup.
Selection for the squad began in January and the remaining 12 players will now be whittled down to eight before they face teams from 44 other countries in Cape Town.
Richard Brown, managing director for The Big Issue in the North, said: "This three-day training session is essential for the squad in order to prepare them for the tournament in September.
"The team will leave for South Africa full of confidence following this training session and their recent Home Nations Tournament victory when they beat Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Eire."
Players in the squad come from across England, including Newcastle, Manchester, Oldham, London, Liverpool and Cambridge.
Paul Smith, a member of this year's squad who captained the team during their recent victory at the Home Nations Tournament, said: "It was great to meet Rio and Wes. It's really helped the lads feel that they are part of something big. The training at Carrington has really prepared the team well for the tournament in South Africa. We're going to do our very best to bring the trophy home."
Now in its fourth year, the Homeless World Cup is becoming recognised as an annual event on the global sporting calendar.
Following the previous years' Homeless World Cups more than 77% of players went on to change their lives forever by finding regular employment, coming off drugs and alcohol, pursuing education, improving their housing and even playing for semi-professional and professional football clubs.
The event also aims to change the attitudes of the public towards homeless people who are treated as heroes during the tournament and acknowledged for their courage and determination whilst encouraged and supported in transforming their lives.
The final team will be announced on September 13, and the eight players will fly to South Africa, courtesy of British Airways, on September 19.
The England team is funded by the charitable trust The Links Foundation, their accommodation in Manchester is provided free by the Golden Tulip and their kit has come from JD Sports.
For more information about the Homeless World Cup log on to www.streetsoccer.org
Copyright Press Association 2006.