The Homeless World Cup and creating sustainable change through sport
|The Homeless World Cup: Creating Sustainable Change Through Sport panel at Cities Ending Homelessness Conference in Seoul. Image: Brandon Green
The panel discussion ‘The Homeless World Cup and Creating Sustainable Change through Sport’ aimed to highlight the legacy approach of the Homeless World Cup in Seoul, as an inspiringand unique sporting event. The discussion showcased the power of sport and the potential for major sporting events to create societal change; providing insight into the players’ journey from their own perspectives.
Panelists included Mel Young, Co-founder President of The Homeless World Cup; Carl Christian Thodesen, Professor for social impact and collaboration at Oslo Metropolitan University; Byeong-Hoon An, Executive Director of Big Issue Korea and 2012, 2014 general director and head coach of the Korean National Team for the Homeless World Cup; Natalie Handley, HWC former player (Wales); Young-Soo Moon, former player (Korea). The panel was moderated by Alex Richmond, Global Co-Lead, Ashoka Sport for Changemaking.
A highlight of the conference was Natalie and Moon sharing their personal experiences, inspiring audience members through their journey.
Natalie has been in action at this year’s tournament, spending most days refereeing. Her journey began in 2014 as a player, then she became a Manager and in 2017 she completed the Homeless World Cup refereeing programme,becoming the first female referee at the Homeless World Cup.
Natalie has had the experience of managing the Welsh women’s team in Amsterdam and Glasgow. This is now her fifth tournament as a referee and she never misses the chance to connect with the next generation of players:
“I’m just trying to inspire the referees and players that no matter what happens in life, you may be kicked to the dirt but you can always pick yourself up.”
Moon competed in the 2017 Oslo Homeless World Cup Oslo as a goalkeeper and continues working as a vendor for Big Issue, selling magazines at Samsung Station and meeting readers face to face. He recalled the experience as giving him a “life of energy.”
“At 57 years of age I was the oldest player, the training was tough. I was able to be proactive and change my life.”
He added that it was an incredible experience and the most valuable lesson he learned was to change his mindset, to be confident in life.
In discussing ways to use sport as a change agent, Mel Young suggests cities look to involving the homeless rather than moving them away. He offered that sports events have funds and opportunities to make more meaningful impact beyond building stadiums and arenas.
Thodesen shared some initial thoughts about Oslo Met’s participation in next year’s tournament to be held in Oslo. He first heard about the HWC seven months ago, as an avid football player, he saw the opportunity and hopes to be part of the event, truly engaging the students and staff.
|Homeless World Cup President Mel Young addresses the Cities Ending Homelessness conference in Seoul. Image: Brandon Green
Mel stated that “legacy is in the DNA of the HWC” and is about the players, ultimately.
“These people carry the torch and change people’s lives.”
Stating that “no wants homelessness” and simple small acts can make a difference.
“Be inspired; and do something.”
Words: Andi Phillips
Images: Brandon Green