Today the Homeless World Cup, the world-class, international, football tournament changing the lives of homeless people, has announced the official world rankings for 2010 as preparations get underway for the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup. Copacabana Beach, Rio, Brazil is the setting that will unite 64 national teams of homeless players in mid September next year.
Ukraine is ranked number one in the world after their win at the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup in September coincides with consistently high performances at previous tournaments. Ukraine is now the team to beat in Brazil, closely followed by Portugal and Brazil, who will be dangerous in Rio in front of their home crowd, in second and third.
Despite falling 4 rankings Scotland in 6 still outranks England in 10 with the third home nation, Wales, coming in at 36. The biggest climbers are Kyrgyzstan rising 23 places to 35 and Chile rising 19 places to 20 after they picked up the Dignitary Cup at the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup and have stepped up year on year.
Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup said: “After seven Homeless World Cup tournaments nations are settling down into the street soccer format and a pattern is emerging with a number of nations consistently in the top ten. Ukraine has always performed and is now the nation to beat in Brazil in September.
“It is not all about rankings. It is also about participation of the world’s nations to create powerful change to end homelessness and enjoy some good fun. The tremendous spirit brought by teams like Philippines, Spain, Belgium and Japan is what makes the Homeless World Cup beautiful and unlike any other football tournament in the world. “
The full Homeless World Cup World Rankings are available here.
Every year the Homeless World Cup unites teams of homeless players from all 5 continents of the world. The Homeless World Cup has grown from 18 nations at the first Graz 2003 Homeless World Cup to 64 at the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup in September next year, which includes a Women’s Cup. Nearly 100,000 homeless men and women, have benefited since the begining and there are now grass roots football programmes working with homeless people all year round in over 70 nations
Research demonstrates over 70% of players experience a significant life change – they come off drugs, alcohol, improve their health and self esteem, repair relationships, get jobs, homes, education, training, become football players, coaches and social entrepreneurs.
For more information head to the Homeless World Cup website
