The beautiful game is called that for a reason. The sport has stopped civil wars and conflicts. It brings people of different races, religions, and ethnicity together under a singular purpose. The game is accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. The poor and the oppressed are just as welcome as the rich and influential.
That last point is crucial when you think of the Homeless World Cup. The accessibility of football makes it the right choice to raise awareness for homeless, helping advance the cause of the isolated and disenfranchised.
Home Game: A Ball Can Change the World by Mel Young and Peter Barr tells the history of this important competition. It is a tournament that raises people up, much more than you would ever see with the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA Euro. It can be a life changer. This title is the definitive text on the Homeless World Cup, more encompassing than previous books on the subject, including Dave Bidini’s Home and Away. It is special because it comes right from the source, the founders of this very important event.
Young co-founded the Homeless World Cup back in 2003, while Barr is a trustee with the Homeless World Cup Foundation that has been with the organization since its founding. Under the expert tutelage of this dynamic duo, the Homeless World Cup has grown to 70 countries, transforming the lives of over one million people. It allows the oppressed to be seen as heroes, superstars that are representing their country.
This book focuses in the event’s transformative nature, how football has directly helps those devastated by homelessness, substandard housing, extreme poverty, and addiction. It reveals the tremendous work needed to make this event a reality, the devotion and dedication of volunteers, staff, and sponsors. It’s a great history from day one to present, unearthing the unreal journey along the way. You will hear amazing stories about the coaches, players, organizers, and volunteers. It’s real content that you will soon forget.
This tremendous book represents the beautiful game at its best. There are no billionaire owners, $100 million transfers, or even season ticket packages. It’s about helping people and it should serve as a call to action for the reader to do their part in helping ending homeless in every corner of the globe.
