Eight young Irish men who have overcome problems of addiction and homelessness are today making an ‘Italia 09’ journey to play in the 7th annual Homeless World Cup.
The soccer players will join 48 nations and 500 players for the contest at the Arena Civica at Sempione Park in Milan. Among their number is Dean Finnan (19), from Southill, Co Limerick, a first cousin of Ireland international player Steve Finnan.
Finnan’s family were left homeless last year after they were rescued from their Southill home as the house next door burned down.
The family of five spent seven weeks at a nearby hotel until they were rehomed by Limerick City Council. They now live in Janesboro, the same neighbourhood where Portsmouth back Steve Finnan first kicked a ball.
The teams tough training regime and successes in the course of the tournament will be detailed in a blog on the website at http://www.homelessworldcup.org.
Team captain Trevor Owens has played in the street league for just over a year.
He explained that the past fifteen years of his life were spent in the throes of a heroin and gambling addiction, before he spent time at the Rutland centre and later a recovery house run by Fr Peter McVerry.
“Football really helps,” Owens says in the blog.
“It has given me confidence in myself, self-belief, and being part of a team is so important. The lads are all brilliant and the support we get from the coaches and league organisers really helps.”
Owens is confident of a successful tournament in Italy – the event opens on September 6th and runs until the following Sunday, September 13th.
“I can’t wait to go to Milan,” he said.
“It’s such an honour to represent Ireland and we’ve a great team – these are some of the best footballers I have ever played with.”
Founder of the Street League in Ireland Sean Kavanagh said: “If anyone doubts the importance of football in the lives of these lads just take a look at their achievements since their involvement.
“The structure, discipline and sense of self-worth that they get from taking part gives them renewed confidence and allows them to believe that life has something to offer them.”
Coach Mick Pender expressed confidence in the lads’ chances in Italy.
“From past experience (without tempting fate) we’re going with a very realistic chance of winning,” he said.
“The fitness level required is extensive, but so much hard work and commitment has been put in by the lads, that anything is possible.”