From a tournament for people who have faced homelessness to a local London club that gives back to its community, these football projects are playing for progress
This piece is part of our Hope 100 series, telling the stories of the people and organisations creating hope for 2020 and beyond
#20 Global Goals World Cup
Created in Denmark, the Global Goals World Cup inspires amateur athletes to become world champions of the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals, and to drive progress towards these goals in their communities. It hosts five-a-side tournaments worldwide, in which each of the all-women football teams play on behalf of a development goal. Winners compete against each other in New York during the UN general assembly. Last year’s champions, Czech team Yellow Ladies, played for SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing. In March, the competition heads to Africa for a series of events.
#21 Homeless World Cup
Each year, 500 people from 50 countries – all of whom have experienced homelessness – take part in the Homeless World Cup. Through the organisation’s network of street football projects and its annual tournament, it supports people who are facing social isolation to change their lives. This year the event travels to Tampere, Finland.
#22 Hackney Wick FC
A volunteer-run east London club that is committed to its community. Bobby Kasanga, a former semi-professional footballer, founded the club after his release from prison, and it now works with more than 200 players from Hackney. All adult members are required to volunteer two hours per month to local causes. By combining football with mentoring, educational workshops and support into employment, it also aims to tackle the influences of gang crime.
Image credit: GGWCup NYC Finals 2019/SA
Hope 100: The people and organisations creating hope for the future
