We use soccer as a medium to connect homeless individuals to their broader community, to facilitate interpersonal skills and team building, and to create an environment of healthy physical activity and social interaction. Through individual, round-robin training and tournament system, individuals from a variety of shelters across the city train together, play and compete together. In the process,
they build their own friendships and community networks, and as a result become more connected with available social services and support networks (e.g. health, housing, education, and employment). A social-recreational sport such as soccer provides the foot-in-the-door necessary to break the downward spiral and engage and invite marginalized people "back in" to communities. A low-cost, low-tech relatively easy sport to play, one that facilitates team work, communication, interdependency, and (for many individuals) memories of happier times past, soccer is a useful vehicle to begin the process of social inclusion in a non-threatening, non-judgmental way. Through its programming, Halifax Street Soccer, in addition to promoting better health, physical activity and teamwork, opens the door to improved self-esteem and positive self-image, as well as providing opportunities for people to develop social networks and reduce social isolation, loneliness and alienation. The Homeless World Cup of Soccer research conducted in Canada (see the Street Soccer Canada Annual Report 2010) and around the world has demonstrated very positive results for participants, including a new motivation for life and improved social relations. Since its inception in 2003, the Homeless World Cup grassroots initiative has changed the lives of countless homeless communities around the world. With 53 nations now participating, over 50,000 homeless people are united yearly though competition, camaraderie, and a newfound sense of belonging. Of those, over 70 per cent improve their lives: they overcome drug and alcohol addictions; improve their housing, education and employment outcomes; and move on to become future mentors and social entrepreneurs within their local communities. Your support will allow Halifax Street Soccer to kick things off and begin to make an impact within our marginalized society: the homeless, struggling refugees, at-risk youth, and low income families.
