Homeless World Cup Foundation appoints new team

The Homeless World Cup Foundation has today announced the appointment of six people, in newly created posts, including a CEO, International Development Director and two Fundraising Managers. The expansion is made possible with core start up funding from The Vodafone Foundation.

The Homeless World Cup Foundation uses football to energise people who are homeless to change their own lives.  It was set up to develop grassroots football projects in over 75 nations triggered by the world-class international football tournament, the Homeless World Cup, with an ambition to reach one million people who are homeless with the benefits of football.

Mel Young, Co-Founder and President, Homeless World Cup, said: “The Homeless World Cup has inspired grass roots football projects all over the world. The Foundation will now support and grow these projects to develop sustainable enterprises, create jobs, and affect real, lasting change.

“What the world needs now, in the current climate, is the emergence of new leaders and new entrepreneurs with a completely new set of values. These people are scattered throughout our partner organizations. We now want to fulfill this potential and build a powerful grass roots movement using football to change the world.”

Andrew Dunnett, Director, The Vodafone Foundation, said: “We are delighted to see the Homeless World Cup Foundation use our support to significantly grow the organisation, increasing the depth and breadth of its international football programme The Vodafone Foundation is committed to funding projects that achieve high-level impact - with proven success, the Homeless World Cup Foundation is already a force for change with phenomenal potential.

”The first Homeless World Cup took place in Graz 2003 uniting 18 nations.  Players represented their country and changed their lives forever. Over 70% of participants come off drugs and alcohol, move in to jobs, homes, education and even become coaches and football players. At the 6th Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup 56 nations were united with the first Women’s Cup and a legacy of 30 football programmes across Australia.  The 7th Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup takes place from 6-13 September 2009.

For more information about the Homeless World Cup Foundation go to www.homelessworldcup.org.