A football club for homeless people is currently raising money for passports to play the Irish Homeless World Cup team in Ireland.
Liverpool Homeless Football Club is looking to raise £500 to provide passports for players to make the trip.
The Liverpool-based charity was founded in 2007 and provides aid for marginalised men and women who experience homelessness, using sport as a vehicle for change. The Homeless World Cup has been an inspiration in bringing football and social change together.
Football co-ordinator for the charity, Keith Heckingbottom said: “We’ve been invited over to Ireland, so what we will do as a charity is we’ll pay for the lads and the girls flights.
“But we’re looking for people to help these guys get their passports because these people don’t really have anything, so we can give them a little bit of life experience. something different, getting away from their day-to-day.”
The Irish Homeless World Cup Women’s team won the 2024 tournament in Seoul, beating USA 5-2. The Men’s team finished eighth place following defeat by Northern Ireland.
Heckingbottom said: “We had good dealings with the Irish homeless World Cup team. We basically just sat down and came to a bit an agreement [on football’s importance].
“I would say no matter your circumstance, whether you are homeless, whether you are a multi-millionaire, once you come together on that football pitch you’re an equal and to be seen as an equal among your peers, it’s massive.”
When the teams arrive in Ireland, the match will be a 4v4, with one goalkeeper. During the game, one attacking player must be in the opposition half at all times to create a three on two attack, the same rules that are used at the Homeless World Cup.
Heckingbottom said: “It’s a little bit of stability for people. The services are there to support people suffering from isolation and homelessness.”
Liverpool Homeless FC hold drop-in sessions for men and women on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Liverpool Power League in Everton Valley.
The link to donate for passports is here.
