Questions to...
HWC 2007 - Scotland Team
Scotland won the 2007 Homeless World Cup, held in Copenhagen from 29 July - 4 August 2007. We asked the winning team for their comments on the HWC.
SAD asked each member of the Scottish Homeless World Cup (HWC) team to answer five questions:
Andy Lannagan, Age 32 from Glasgow
1) What does the Homeless World Cup represent?
It's an opportunity for people who don’t normally get one.
2) To what extent are the problems you’ve faced by being homeless in Scotland, similar to those faced by members of other teams from developing countries?
About the same, but we have more opportunities.
3) Why do you think playing football has brought about such significant changes in many homeless people’s lives?
It builds confidence.
4) If you had to choose between having the FIFA World Cup in Europe or Africa, where would you choose? Europe, because a European team would have better chance of winning.
5) If there was one thing you could change about the Homeless World Cup, what would it be?
For the HWC to get the recognition it deserves .
Paul Smith Team Captain, Aged 25 from Dunoon
1) What does the Homeless World Cup represent?
A chance to change peoples lives.
2) To what extent are the problems you’ve faced by being homeless in Scotland, similar to those faced by members of other teams from developing countries?
Homelessness is different, they have nothing.
3) Why do you think playing football has brought about such significant changes in many homeless people’s lives?
It's good for confidence.
4) If you had to choose between having the FIFA World Cup in Europe or Africa, where would you choose?
Africa because its something different.
5) If there was one thing you could change about the Homeless World Cup, what would it be?
More fans watching.
John McBride, Aged 19 from Rosathay
1) What does the Homeless World Cup represent?
Good football teams from all around the world.
2) To what extent are the problems you’ve faced by being homeless in Scotland, similar to those faced by members of other teams from developing countries?
Some countries seem really poor.
3) Why do you think playing football has brought about such significant changes in many homeless people’s lives?
It keeps you fit and healthy.
4) If you had to choose between having the FIFA World Cup in Europe or Africa, where would you choose?
Europe, they have better stadiums.
5) If there was one thing you could change about the Homeless World Cup, what would it be?
To get to play more games over two weeks.
Alan Wilson, Aged 25 from Stirling
1) What does the Homeless World Cup represent?
Football mixed with lots of fun and meeting new people.
2) To what extent are the problems you’ve faced by being homeless in Scotland, similar to those faced by members of other teams from developing countries?
It's totally different because you can see that some guys don’t have anything.
3) Why do you think playing football has brought about such significant changes in many homeless people’s lives?
It's good because people feel confident and get a real buzz from football.
4) If you had to choose between having the FIFA World Cup in Europe or Africa, where would you choose?
Europe, because most teams will come from Europe.
5) If there was one thing you could change about the Homeless World Cup, what would it be?
Nothing, as it is the best thing ever - especially when you win!!
Frank Brodie, Aged 24 from Glasgow
1) What does the Homeless World Cup represent?
A get together to make new friends.
2) To what extent are the problems you’ve faced by being homeless in Scotland, similar to those faced by members of other teams from developing countries?
Being homeless in Africa would be more extreme.
3) Why do you think playing football has brought about such significant changes in many homeless people’s lives?
You earn self-respect.
4) If you had to choose between having the FIFA World Cup in Europe or Africa, where would you choose?
Europe. Facilities are better!
5) If there was one thing you could change about the Homeless World Cup, what would it be?
The strictness of the referees.
Stuart Melvin, Aged 20 from Edinburgh
1) What does the Homeless World Cup represent?
Giving homeless people a chance they wouldn’t normally get.
2) To what extent are the problems you’ve faced by being homeless in Scotland, similar to those faced by members of other teams from developing countries?
We get more help from the government.
3) Why do you think playing football has brought about such significant changes in many homeless people’s lives?
Everyone enjoys playing football. It’s a universal language.
4) If you had to choose between having the FIFA World Cup in Europe or Africa, where would you choose?
Scotland first, then Africa.
5) If there was one thing you could change about the Homeless World Cup, what would it be?
Make it longer.
David Duke, Head Coach, Aged 27 from Glasgow
1) What does the Homeless World Cup represent?
The Homeless World Cup provides people with a platform, not only to showcase their amazing skills with a ball but also to show they are real people with real ambition who are ready to move on.
2) To what extent are the problems you’ve faced by being homeless in Scotland, similar to those faced by members of other teams from developing countries?
The similar things about homelessness are the fact that self-esteem lowers and people can feel socially excluded and in some cases, marginalised on the edge of society. But there is a difference, for example In Africa the extent of poverty and homelessness is much greater with basic needs such as food and clothing often unavailable. Where as, in Scotland these needs are met by welfare benefit and various charities.
3) Why do you think playing football has brought about such significant changes in many homeless people’s lives?
Playing Football is a great way of boosting self-esteem and confidence. People who have maybe found them isolated are given the opportunity to take part, get involved and make new friends. The players also learn new skills such as listening and working hard as part of a team, and also by turning up to regular training session they gain more structure in their week, which all helps with their personal development.
4) If you had to choose between having the FIFA World Cup in Europe or Africa, where would you choose?
Obviously holding the FIFA World Cup in Europe would be easier to organise, (More Stadia, better transport and accommodation etc) but, by holding the event in an African country, this would allow the massive revenue gained to be put back into, not only the sport but also the community. It would also raise the profile of the game and further enhance its development.
5) If there was one thing you could change about the Homeless World Cup, what would it be?
A day where coaches could work on formations or training drills- especially if a team are not doing so well.
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