I only caught the tail end of the ESPN broadcast of the documentary film titled,"Kicking It". The film tells the story of the Homeless World Cup 2007. I didn't even know such a beast existed. The players from all over the world live their lives of homelessness, addiction, etc., but I guess are given the opportunity to introduce football into their lives, and for some, it has made a world of difference. The 2008 cup is going to be in Melbourne. I am going to have to order this DVD - the whole idea of using football as a means to help those who are in need is awesome. The film was presented at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007 and is narrated by Colin Farrell.
ABOUT THE HOMELESS WORLD CUP 
There are an estimated one billion homeless people in the world.
That's roughly the same number of football fans who watched the 2006 World Cup.
What happens when football and homelessness come together?
Lives change.
And the annual Homeless World Cup has the statistics to prove it.
In 2006, 48 countries competed in the 4th annual Homeless World Cup.
One year later...
There are an estimated one billion homeless people in the world.
That's roughly the same number of football fans who watched the 2006 World Cup.
What happens when football and homelessness come together?
Lives change.
And the annual Homeless World Cup has the statistics to prove it.
In 2006, 48 countries competed in the 4th annual Homeless World Cup.
One year later...
92% players have a new motivation for life
73% have changed their lives for the better
93 players successfully addressed a drug or alcohol dependency
35% have secured regular employment
44% have improved their housing situation
39% chose to pursue education
72% continue to play football
The Homeless World Cup also supports and inspires grass roots football projects around the world working with homeless and excluded people throughout the year. Co-founded by world leading social entrepreneur Mel Young and Harald Schmied, it is supported by Nike, UEFA, United Nations, football clubs (e.g. Manchester United, Real Madrid, SL Benfica), ambassador Eric Cantona, and international footballers Didier Drogba, Rio Ferdinand.
73% of players change their lives for the better after participating by coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, education, homes, training, reuniting with families and even going on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams.
More info at http://www.homelessworldcup.org/ and http://www.kickingitthefilm.com/
More info at http://www.homelessworldcup.org/ and http://www.kickingitthefilm.com/
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