Canada becomes Homeless World Cup Member Country
| Canadian Street Soccer Association (CSSA) join Homeless World Cup network Photo: CSSA
Canadian Street Soccer Association (CSSA) join Homeless World Cup network.
CSSA work with adults experiencing homelessness in three provinces in Canada and are looking to expand nationwide.
They use football to change lives in the communities where they work.
Canada has joined the Homeless World Cup network and will be represented by Canadian Street Soccer Association (CSSA). CSSA is a newly formed association that was established in 2024 to use sport as a tool for positive change in communities across Canada.
They are currently running in three provinces - Ontario, British Colombia and Quebec and are aiming to expand nationwide by 2025.
CSSA work with adults of all genders, working with individuals experiencing homelessness, people who are socially marginalised and at-risk, refugees, people struggling with their mental health and people in rehabilitation programmes.
“I am so excited to announce our new partnership with the Homeless World Cup Foundation,” said Hossam Khedr from Canadian Street Soccer Association. “Joining the Homeless World Cup network shows our commitment and dedication to using street soccer to make a positive impact in our communities. This gives our players a global stage to share their talents and stories. We look forward to the great experiences and growth this partnership will bring.”
“We are absolutely delighted to have Canada as an active Homeless World Cup Member Country once again, joining our global Homeless World Cup network”, said Homeless World Cup International Partnerships Manager, Zoe Hopkins.
“A very warm welcome to Canadian Street Soccer Association as they build their new programme and extend activities across the country. Given Canada has not been represented at the annual Homeless World Cup tournament since 2015, we are looking forward to working with them and seeing a Canadian Homeless World Cup team participate in future tournaments.”
They run weekly football programmes for men and women to encourage people to stay healthy and also create an opportunity to make new friends and build a community. They also organise local, regional and national football competitions to foster community spirit and increase engagement.
Partnering with local social agencies, they offer training and rehabilitation sessions which focus on personal development.
The Homeless World Cup currently has 70 Member Countries worldwide, in North and Central America we have partners in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and the USA.
You can also find out more on the Member Country page for Canada