“When I have a ball at my feet I am happy”
Image: Daniel Lipinski / Soda-Visual
“I will leave the tournament a happy person”
As hosts of this year’s Homeless World Cup, Team Mexico feel the support of Mexico City behind them as they participate in the 16th edition of the tournament.
And for Team Mexico player Omar Flores, getting off the mark in his side’s opening fixture helped settle his pre-tournament nerves.
“I was nervous before the first game, but when I went on to the pitch the nerves left me. I felt fantastic and motivated. Scoring a goal always makes you feel better, and it gave me a lot of confidence.”
Hailing from Ciudad Juarez in the north of the country on the border with the USA, Omar has had first-hand experience of the city’s complex violence and drug problems—his dad is currently imprisoned for drug trafficking.
But that hasn’t stopped Omar from fighting hard to be where he is today: on the pitch representing his country in the Homeless World Cup in his capital city.
“It’s been a battle for me to make it here. I’ve had to overcome the difficulties that come via economic problems. Working to get enough food to get through the week so as not to go without at home in Ciudad Juarez.”
In addition to preparing for matches, Omar is spending his free time while here conversing with his biggest supporter: his mum.
“I miss my mother being here, but I know I have her support and love. Although I feel at home in Mexico City, it’s not easy getting up at 7am every day and training. To occupy myself in my free time I speak with my mother on the phone.”
Added to that, his love for football is helping him combat his problems, something his mother is well aware of.
“Football gives me happiness among a lot of things. When I have a ball at my feet I am happy. My mum knows that if I have any problems then I can forget about them when I play football.”
He is also being helped by the strong work ethic and camaraderie that exists between him and his teammates.
“I know all of my teammates, and we are always together to eat or to go to the shops, we are always together. We are as one. Even the other teams told us we are like one because we are always together.”
Meanwhile, being surrounded by players from different countries—all of whom who are like him here representing their nation thanks to their drive and determination to improve their lives—has certainly had an effect on Omar and his teammates.
“We feel united by the fact that everyone here has gone through similar difficulties and everyone is trying to move forward with their lives. It unites us.
“It’s what I’ve been seeing a lot, with everyone saying hello to me, people who I’ve never met before. The atmosphere is great.”
So much so that he is keen to spread the word on his positive experiences in participating in the tournament among his friends on return to his home city.
“I think I will leave the tournament a better person. That’s why we are here to change each of our lives. And to be better people than we were before.
“When I return to my city, I want to tell everyone about my experiences so that they to try their best to be a part of the Homeless World Cup too in the future.”
Words: Craig Williams
Images: Daniel Lipinski