In 2007 a small group of Antwerp social workers decided that it was time to finally form Team Belgium to participate in the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup. This marked the beginning of phenomenal success and a 8 part TV programme followed the players on their journey. The project has expanded now to include the Belgium Homeless Cup to chose the team for the Homeless World Cup. Selections and training are in full progress and the number of homeless soccer enthusiasts is still growing. The most important criteria for selection is motivation, not soccer skill. Players come from diverse backgrounds. Some live in shelters, some are squatters, others literally live on the streets… But they all have at least two things in common; they all love soccer and they all are very eager to represent their country. Vive el football! Final Position: Milan 2009 - 41st (INSP Networking Trophy Winners); Melbourne 2008 - 48th (Winners: Bravery Cup)
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Diavoli di Strada / Devils of the Street
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Belgium
- 28/04/2009
The first ever Belgian Homeless Cup tournament took place on Thursday 23rd April. The car park of the Bosuilstadion of football club Royal Antwerp FC was transformed into thé fooballfield for the homeless for a day. The tournament was a great success with 10 teams from 7 different towns, 130 players in all. The weather was helpful and several political figures showed up, as well as star footballers Gilles De Bilde, Chris Janssens (Lierse) and Spencer Verbiest (Antwerp) and many supporters.
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