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Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Ruth Mosalski

Homeless World Cup in Cardiff: What it's about, who's taking part, how to get tickets and everything else you need to know

The Homeless World Cup is coming to Cardiff.

It's an event where 500 players representing over 50 countries come to Wales' capital city for a week-long festival of football.

Games will be played in Bute Park, and there will be other events linked to the games, including street food, music and a debating tent.

When is it being held?

The 17th Homeless World Cup takes place in Cardiff between July 27 and August 3. Times of the games are still to be confirmed.

Where is it?

The games are all being played in Bute Park in Cardiff. Building works will start on July 15.

Do I need to buy tickets?

No, the event is free and no tickets are required.

Who gets to take part?

There will be 51 nations taking part, with 48 squads competing in the men's/mixed competition and 16 in the women’s competition.

How does it help?

The Homeless World Cup was co-founded by Mel Young and Harald Schmied in 2001 who believed football could change the lives of homeless people all over the world as it homelessness forces people into isolation, impacting communication and ability to work with others.

Being part of the team gets them involved and teaches them how to trust and share with teammates.

Players have a responsibility to attend training sessions and games, to be on time, and to be prepared to participate.

Organisers say it empowers the players to see that they can do something to change their lives, as well as impact their physical health and self-esteem.

Is there a Welsh team?

Two! There is a men's/mixed competition and a women's team.

What else is going on?

Rock band Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard have written an official song for the event called Daffodil Hill.

Actor between getting the event to Wales. He's already announced that there will be a whole festival created around the event.

There will be music, activities and even street food on sale.

More details will be announced at a later date.

Wales at the Homeless World Cup in Amsterdam 2015 (Anita Milas)

How does the tournament work?

There are separate competitions for men’s/mixed teams and women’s teams, with games made up of two seven-minute halves.

Games are played on one of three 22m x 16m specially constructed pitches.

There is a group, qualifying and trophy stage.

The structure of the tournament ensures that each team plays matches until the final day of competition.

Where can I find out more?

More details are being released as the event gets closer, you can also find out more online.

 
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