The National Lottey spoke with Chris O’Brien, of the Irish Homeless Street Leagues to find out the more about the difference they make to people’s lives through Sport.
‘A Ball Can Change a Life’ – what’s that all about?
That is the motto of the Irish Homeless Street Leagues. We are using the power of sport to help people suffering from social exclusion to get back into the community. The leagues are literally changing lives and delivering real social change in Ireland through its nationwide soccer leagues. Using football as a catalyst to change lives, our group is creating real positive change by motivating, inspiring and developing people.
Sounds great! And it’s for homeless people?
Well yes and no. It’s for people who have experienced homelessness but also those who have suffered from alcohol and substance abuse. We also have ex- offenders, long-term unemployed, refugees and asylum seekers. It’s about empowering people with difficult lives to fulfil their true potential; giving them opportunities so they can participate in life rather than stand on the sidelines.
How did National Lottery players make a difference for the group?
National Lottery players made it possible for us to open more leagues around the country and allowed us to run the leagues for more weeks across the year than planned. Ideally, we would like to run the leagues for a block of 40 weeks per year, but restricted funds can result in that being cut back. Thanks to part-funding from the National Lottery, we made it possible to bring the Irish Street Leagues to more places across the country and for longer.
So, the leagues are not just in Dublin?
Nope. There are weekly leagues across Ireland – including Cork, Longford, Limerick, Laois, Galway as well as Dublin. Between 300 – 500 players are togging out every week – and National Lottery players have made it possible for more people than ever to join. Every year, there is an annual tournament between all the leagues; this is when they select the panel to represent Ireland at the Homeless World Cup.
Wait, what?! There’s a World Cup?
Yes, more than 60 countries take part in the Homeless World Cup and representing their country can literally be a life changer for those selected. But it’s not all about how good they are at playing on the field. Being selected i about the person’s commitment to the training programme as well as their positive attitude, teamwork, discipline, health and wellbeing.
So, is it just for men?
Are you kidding me? Didn’t the Irish women’s team win the Trophy Stage at the 2024 World Cup in South Korea! They beat the USA 5-2 in their Trophy Stage final and received a hero’s welcome home at Dublin Airport. Women have been involved in the Irish Street Leagues from the start but have only participated in the Homeless World Cup since 2017 when it was held in Norway. Ireland was represented at that World Cup and ever since and there are now four women’s teams in the Irish Street Leagues.
You mentioned ‘from the start’ but when was that?
It all started back in 2004. Sean Kavanagh, Ireland’s Big Issue editor, was looking for a way to engage disenfranchised people and had the idea of bringing a team to the Homeless World Cup. He brought a team from Ireland and when he came home, he thought that he couldn’t just leave it at that. He wanted to keep them involved so the idea of a league started. In 2024, we celebrated our 20 th anniversary and a host of famous faces, including footballer Niall Quinn and comedian John Bishop, turned out to support.
Speaking of famous faces, I hear they have a famous patron?
Yes, actor Colin Farrell is a patron who believes the organisation gives purpose to those who are ostracised. “They have a goal and a structure and feel they are doing something of worth with their lives,” says Colin Farrell. “This is a time for them to be at the centre of a world that is completely inclusive and to be the best form of themselves that they can be.”
Can playing football make a real, lasting difference though?
Oh, it can. There are amazing stories of people who have turned their lives around as a result of being a part of a league. Our members speak about it giving them purpose, hope and building their self-esteem. It has resulted in people reconnecting with their families, going back to work, furthering their education, graduating from college and becoming mentors themselves. And it all started with a ball.
