The sixth annual Homeless World Cup was held at Federation Square and Birrung Marr from the 1-7 December 2008, with players from 56 nations descending on the city not only to play sport, but in a bid to better their lives.

“A ball can save a life,” world-renowned motivational speaker Kevin Carroll told audiences at his seminars throughout the week. “That is why every time you see that ball go in the back of the net this week, you will think about your dreams. Just as that player has reached their goal, you too will think of how you will reach yours”

Carroll asked players to write down their individual goal. “It is not enough to have an idea in your head. You need to share it. That takes courage. That is your challenge,” he said.

Everyone at the workshops received wristbands with the word DREAM inscribed on them, which represented the values of Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude, and Motivation.
 

“You are all ambassadors. Make a commitment to your dreams, your goals, and your futures.” Carroll said.

Surveys showed that 77 per cent of HWC participants significantly improve their lives after competing in the tournament. Many quit drugs and alcohol, improve self-esteem, move into jobs, education, homes, training, reunite with families and even go on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams.

This weekend, though, all they really wanted to do was play some soccer.

After months of planning, a street parade through the city and, of course, after John Brumby spoke for too long about how Melbourne was the sporting capital of the world, HWC founder and President Mel Young declared the Melbourne 2008 tournament open.

The Big Issue group did a wonderful job in organising the event. Aside from some initial teething problems – the vices of a small pitch with ice hockey-style hoarding walls, the Nike-everywhere sponsorship and the superfluous use of bottled water – the event was a spectacular success.

The first game was between the host nation, the Street Socceroos, and the inaugural host and winner, Austria. Austria won in front of a large Australian crowd at Fed Square, but it didn’t matter – spirits were still high. Besides, everyone was there to see the Brazilians, the Portuguese, the Nigerians, the Scottish and, as it turned out, the Russians and Afghanis.

As the week progressed the competition became fierce, but it wasn’t all about soccer. The HWC is also a cultural affair.

A creative workshop, ‘Homeless Not Artless’, was held at ACMI in Fed Square during the week. There was also an array of street performers along the river walk, and talks were held inside Fed Square’s BMW Edge amphitheatre. Topics included street soccer, crime, homelessness, poverty and achievement, as well as talks about how the social entrepreneur can make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged people, and how they deal with different challenges.

There was also, ‘Women Kicking Goals’ – a seminar for women from around the world discussing their experiences, visions and skills related to poverty and social disadvantage.

Organisers managed to jam plenty of events into the week, but ultimately, it’s not a huge amount of time. And so the final day arrived quickly. As our Street Socceroos played off for 5th spot in the City Cup (and finished 21st overall), everyone was looking forward to the big one, the Homeless World Cup final, between Afghanistan and Russia.

The Afghanis were the favourites, not only with the bookies but with the crowd (it appears there are more immigrants from Afghanistan than from Russia living in Australia). All non-partisan locals had the Afghans on their side as well – perhaps it was white-liberal guilt, or maybe just support for the underdog in a battle which would have historical overtones (casting back to the Soviet War in 1989). Afghanistan won the game, in a spectacular spectacle in front of a packed grandstands and piazza at Fed Square. The only thing missing was an African-style dance celebration – saved for the third place match when Ghana beat Scotland.