Scotland win FIFPRO Awards on day 2 of Homeless World Cup
|Image: Angelica Ibarra Rodriquez
As the adage goes, it’s not just the winning, it’s the taking part. For Homeless World Cup, that translates to playing your part to uphold the ideals and values of the tournament and embodying the spirit of fair play.
The FIFPRO Fair Play Award, decided by the referees following that day’s play and given to a team exhibiting these qualities, is just as valued as one of the Finals Day trophies. After Australia picked up the first award in Seoul, it was Scotland who collected the plaudits – plus medals and t-shirts – presented on day two by Homeless World Cup co-founder and fellow Scot, Mel Young, who said:
“As you know, this is presented for outstanding sportsmanship, in this case by a player when an opponent got injured, and I’m particularly pleased to congratulate Scotland on their win.”
That player, Tyler Martin, outlined events: “Zimbabwe were on the attack, I was obviously defending and we both went for the ball. I went over the top and brushed the guy’s shin a little bit and he tumbled. So I stopped the ball dead, picked him up and gave him a cuddle.
“We’re here to have fun and I don’t want to injure anybody. I’d expect an opponent to show me the same respect.”
Tyler and his team mates, while posting some decent scores, are as one on the real value of the tournament.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Anyone who’s had the chance to take part in the past or is lucky enough in the future will appreciate what an amazing event this is.”
Words: Isobel Irvine
Image: Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez