AN INTERNATIONAL football tournament featuring more than 450 players who have experienced homelessness has been cancelled.
The Homeless World Cup Foundation this week announced the 2021 tournament has been cancelled.
Like many others the annual event has been impacted by the global pandemic and organisers have taken the decision to postpone.
At the 2019 event, a photographer from the Vale of Glamorgan showcased photographs the Homelessness World Cup that year at Foxy’s Deli in Penarth.
Mel Young, President and Co-Founder of the Homeless World Cup Foundation said: “Whilst the swift development of a number of vaccines to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic gives us hope for the future, the uncertainty around international travel and delivering a major event whilst the pandemic is ongoing has led us to this decision.
“This will doubtless be disappointing to many, but we are confident it is the right decision for the safety of our participants, partners, and the public at this time.
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“As always, our commitment to using football as a way to tackle homelessness remains our core objective and we will continue to work tirelessly in conjunction with all of our global partners to end homelessness.”
The Homeless World Cup Foundation will continue to focus on its vision of a world without homelessness, using football to support and inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives and to change perceptions and attitudes towards people who are experiencing homelessness.
Every year, the Homeless World Cup Foundation delivers an inspirational week-long street football tournament, bringing together more than 450 players from 40+ countries around the world.
These players have faced homelessness and social marginalisation. The tournament attracts thousands of visitors each year with millions more following online.
Plans for the 2022 Homeless World Cup are ongoing, with details to be released at a future date.
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