Scotland's World Cup Glory... A goal for life
7th July 2004
Scotland's elite 8 homeless footballers are preparing themselves for the opportunity of a life time. Kicking off on 25 th July 2004, the team are hopeful they will return victorious from the Homeless Football World Cup, this year being hosted in Gothenburg, Sweden. The five day tournament will see Scotland competing against many teams including Austria, Brazil, Italy and Peru.
The current Scottish squad stands 12 members strong, on Friday 9 th July the final 8 who will travel to Sweden will be announced. All of which have been selected from over 100 hopefuls who participated in The Big Issues' Football Tournament Challenge Cup back in February/March of this year.
Three members of the team include David, Robert and Gary - all young men who are currently supported by one of Scotland's leading care charities, Quarriers, at the James Shields Project, Glasgow. They all have very different stories to tell.
Robert is 22 years old and has been in Quarriers Homeless Projects for the last 11 months after his mum died last year. This has been a fantastic opportunity for Robert who used to play football at school. He was at college doing Sports and Leisure but had to leave due to a sports injury. Robert also expressed extreme pride in being able to play for his country.
David, 24, has been in Quarriers James Shields Project since 14 th February this year, it is his 2 nd time staying at the project and he is currently using the unique Addiction Service at the project to overcome his alcohol problems. David has been playing football from a young age and even played for Celtic Boys Club when he was 14.
Gary, who at the tender age of 19 has been homeless for 3 ½ years due to family breakdown, is hoping he has secured his place on the team for Sweden. Gary played football during his early school days for Woodside Boys Club but lost interest when he became involved in drugs. He has now turned his life around and is hoping this might be his lucky break.
The boys are involved in training sessions twice a week at either Hampden or Murray Park, for 2 hours each session, and they are also keeping a close eye on their diet. Since being involved with the World Cup, Robert and David have met Mark Hately, and been trained and managed by Ali Dawson, the ex Rangers player.
Robert said: "Taking part in the World Cup has given me something to look forward to and is really helping to motivate me. It's been great for building up my confidence and becoming a team player has given me a sense of responsibility."
When the boys return from Sweden they have been told there will be possibilities to go into coaching, becoming semi-professional footballers or even professional footballers.
Lesley Williamson, the boys Activity Worker at Quarriers' James Shields Project, is thrilled at their achievement and the all the staff and residents in James Shields Projects are right behind them. Lesley said: "I have been to all the games with the guys to support them, and have seen a tremendous difference in Robert and David's attitudes - they haven't missed a training session yet, and have even given up on doing project activities to fulfil their team's requirements. It has given them a focus in their weekly routine and helped them in coming through their problems. They are also very modest about the whole thing."
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