Spain join the Homeless World Cup network
| Spain will be represented by community football club Dragones de Lavapiés as they join the Homeless World Cup network
Spain become the Homeless World Cup’s 71st member country
Madrid based charity Dragones de Lavapiés join the Homeless World Cup network
Founded in 2014, they have more than 320 players who take regularly take part in their activities.
Spanish charity, Dragones de Lavapiés, are the latest organisation to join the Homeless World Cup network. They join 70 global organisations who are using football to tackle inequality, social isolation and homelessness.
Based in the Spanish capital, Madrid, the community-based football club uses sport to create “bonds of solidarity, respect and community, fostering dialogue and celebrating diversity through sport and competition.”
They hold two weekly drop-in sessions, as well as participating in weekend male, female, and youth leagues in central Madrid.
Central Madrid in recent years has been gentrified, leading many people to be priced out of the area. The Dragones de Lavapiés football community has come together to campaign against forced evictions.
When one of the children who was part of the programme was at risk of eviction, the Dragones families and the neighbourhood created a human chain around the building, preventing the family from being forced from their home.
Despite their efforts to prevent the eviction, a month later the police removed the child, his two brothers and his widowed mother from the house, which was owned by the municipality.
They also welcome players who are homeless and work with local shelters to enable refugees to join their programmes.
Dragones de Lavapiés Director, Dolores Galind says: “By joining the Homeless World Cup we want to raise awareness of adequate housing rights and have a positive impact on the lives of those whose rights are abused and neglected.”
Homeless World Cup Partnerships Manager, Zoe Hopkins says: “With Spain being known for its high-quality professional football, it is fantastic to shine a light on a powerful grassroots street football organisation in its capital city. We’re excited to share their dynamic work to a global audience and we very much look forward to their added value in our Homeless World Cup Network; sharing best practices with existing partners.”
Dragones de Lavapiés in Spain, join more than 70 grassroots global organisations that are using football to tackle inequality, poverty, and homelessness.
The team will make their debut at the Mundial de Personas sin Hogar Fuenlabrada 2022.
The Homeless World Cup Fuenlabrada will take place from 12-13th November. The two-day tournament will welcome teams from eight nations including hosts Spain.