James Buckley

In 2011 I played for England in the Homeless World Cup in Paris. Since then I have done many things with the support of the Homeless FA, as well as from two of their Community members, Liverpool Homeless FC and Crewe Foyer @ 189.

The Foyer @ 189 in Crewe is a hostel where I lived for 2 years with great staff support, they helped me engage and it was this encouragement that helped me play for England at the Homeless World Cup in France. After coming back from Paris I still had a lot to learn in life, and I had a few ups and downs, but ended up moving to Liverpool, where I worked with LHFC with continued support from the Crewe hostel.

Moving to Liverpool was one of the best things that ever happened to me! Don’t get me wrong, it was hard to like at first but it has now grown on me and I am really happy living here. Since moving here I have completed my FA level 1 and 2 coaching badges, moved into my own place for the first time, and signed up for a semi-professional team called AFC Liverpool. All of this brought back my passion for football and fitness.

Without the influence, motivation and opportunities that everyone at Liverpool Homeless FC have given me whilst being here I don’t think I would have moved as far forward as I where I am today. They helped carry on my football coaching badges and gave me experience by letting me coach the players of LHFC. The Crewe Hostel has also allowed me to do lots of coaching.

I am very passionate about my football and now even more so about my football coaching. The Homeless FA asked me to be the assistant coach for England in the 2012 Homeless World Cup in Mexico. It was such an honour for me to be part of an incredible set up, including the first ever women’s England squad. It was an amazing and very enjoyable trip, and I loved working with all the players as with the other uplifting and enthusiastic staff. It was incredible to work with coaches from Manchester United, as well as England international players Rachel Brown and Fara Williams. Fara in particular was a real inspiration to me! If I was to explain about the experience over in Mexico in detail I would be typing for way too long so I’ll keep it short and just say … The best thing I have done as of yet. LOVED IT!

Here I am (second from the left) proudly singing the national anthem before our game against Scotland.

I learnt so much over there and realised that my story could be such inspiration and I could be a role model and encourage others to change their lives. Now I know this new me which has blossomed I am enjoying life and got so much planned for the future. Gareth at the Homeless FA has asked me to be the Coach, YES not the assistant, the coach of the 2013 England men’s team. Ha-ha, THE COACH!

I have now moved into a 2 bedroom house which I share with one of the woman who made it into the England team in 2012 and was from Liverpool, called Rebecca Mushrow. I act as mentor for her. Yes I know, brave move… and it stresses me out a bit, but she is like my little sister and she is doing amazing now herself getting her out of hostel life and back on track.

I am at College doing an access science course studying Biology and Chemistry at A level so that I can go to university to do a degree in sports science. I haven’t yet chosen for certain, but have had 5 conditional offers from 3 universities in Liverpool, so role on September when I should be starting.

And there’s even more… I am now having driving lessons and apparently doing very well. I just need a part time job now!

For your chance to follow in James’ footsteps, apply for your 2013 Training Centre place today!

Lindsey Horsfield, Homeless FA Chair

That was how almost every England player replied when asked on the final day of the 2012 Homeless World Cup tournament in Mexico City what they would say to the players in 2013. This is a big ask for a group of sixteen people who are about to set off for an international football tournament, but it is exactly what the Homeless FA had hoped to hear. After three months of Training Centres and two weeks away at the Homeless World Cup, we hoped that players would recognise that we really didn’t mind coming in first or last. It was about their experience and what they could take away from it.

I suppose I’m starting at the end of the story by talking about the final day of the Homeless World Cup. But for the players, hopefully, it is starting at the beginning. Participation in the Homeless World Cup is ideally a space for the players to look at their lives and current situations, and to identify the changes they want to make and the opportunities they want to create for themselves. The Homeless FA, formed just under a year ago, took sixteen players – eight men and eight women – to represent England at the Homeless World Cup.

It was a year of firsts, with the first England women’s team, the first time selections had taken place through the Training Centre programme and the first time Manchester United Foundation’s Believe F.C. (Future Confidence) programme was delivered to players at the tournament.

Throughout the two weeks of a tournament that brought together 56 teams, classroom sessions were delivered by Manchester United sport psychology staff. They addressed topics such as goal setting, perspective, dealing with disappointment, teamwork, communication, trust and confidence. They also provided players with coping tools and mechanisms that they could go back to when they returned to England. The players came from a wide range of backgrounds and situations but all had identified challenges and obstacles they felt they needed to address and overcome.

One of the most striking shared experiences for the players happened early in the tournament, when they met a mother sitting on the pavement with her young children. The players spoke with them and asked about the services (or lack thereof) in Mexico and how they had come to be in this situation. The players got together and bought some food and small toys for the family. Many of the players were still talking about this encounter on the final days of the tournament and the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness in Mexico compared with what they’d been through in England.

Since coming back from the tournament players have been regularly in touch with each other, Homeless FA staff and volunteers. The volunteers in Mexico played a huge role in making sure it ‘wasn’t about the football’. Although two members came from Manchester United there was still an understanding that the real potential benefits of the experience would last long after the final ball was kicked. All of the volunteers encouraged achievable goal-setting for the players’ return to England. They encouraged them to meet people of other nationalities, and to share stories and experiences with players and volunteers from other countries. These men and women weren’t your ‘typical’ England footballers, as the many news stories written throughout the tournament show (see below).

While it started out as only the staff and volunteers encouraging a move away from the football focus, it quickly became the players who recognised the opportunities being presented to them. Building on the Believe FC course, friendships made and confidence gained they are all now moving forward in their own way and all keen to pass on the message that an experience like this is about far more than just a game.

This blog first appeared on our founding partner Homeless Link’s website.

Paul

Hello my name is Paul Thompson and this is going to be my last blog for the Homeless FA at the Homeless World Cup. I got up this morning at bang on 7.30 and had my breakfast. I got ready for the final game of the tournament against Scotland. Me and the team got together for our last team meeting and it was there that I found out that I had been voted captain for this special occasion by the rest of the players and staff.  I was lost for words.

We all got to the main arena for 9.30am ready for the girls last game against the USA . I am pleased to say that they won and finished 9^th. Get in man, top 10!

After the girl’s game I went over to register our team and went over to the practice pitch to get warmed up for our big game. We all proudly walked arm in arm onto Pitch 2 with Scotland for our final game. Emotions were running through all of us, me more than anyone else as I was captain. We sang our national anthem loud and got set for the game. When the whistle went it was full steam ahead, everybody got stuck in!

See http://www.homelessworldcup.org/news/a-unique-moment-between-the-oldest-of-rivals for the Homeless World Cup’s story about the special match.

We scored 3 goals and I scored one of them! I was buzzing but unfortunately it wasn’t enough as Scotland scored 9 . They won and we lost, but it didn’t really matter. It was just fantastic to finish the week with a game against our friends. Well done Scottish lads.

After the game we all went over to main pitch for the award ceremony. We did well, coming 22^nd out of 56. We all got a Homeless World Cup medal and a plaque with our position on.  We all reminisced about the week we’d had. We all were upset as we didn’t win but it REALLY is only a game and it wasn’t just about the football. We all have great memories and made some great friends from all over the world. What an experience – I have loved every minute of it.

We all stayed around to watch the final proceedings and to see the girls get their 9^th place medals and plaque. We then went to watch the final matches, Mexico beating Brazil  in the Women’s final and Chile beating Mexico in the Men’s. There was a massive crowd, we struggled to get a seat, and the atmosphere was electric. We all stayed in the stands to see Chile pick up the beautiful Homeless World Cup.

After the finals the whole squad went over to the VIP Players’ Lounge with all the other teams. It had been transformed into a dance tent where they had party music and amazing lighting. Our team kept with the spirit of things and danced and danced. We saw that there was a conga going, so of course we joined in! After all the dancing we went outside for the fireworks. They were going off to ‘We Are the Champions’ by Queen. They were spectacular.

After the Players’ party we went to the Coach’s hotel terrace overlooking the square for a special meal and awards ceremony.  Every player got an award, a Homeless FA/Homeless World Cup 2012 medal and a Mexico Homeless World Cup 2012 poster.

As Captain I helped give out match shirts that all the players had signed to every member of staff. There was so much emotion in the room, some of it happy, some of it sad, but we all had a laugh when Gareth forgot my award and did it last (Gareth: Paul was intentionally left until last. Honest.). It was for “best celebration”. My celebration has even made it into the highlights video of the Homeless World Cup.

We all went back to our hotel and had another party and chatted about the week. What an amazing experience, I will never forget this.

Well that all from the England captain Paul Thompson. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and the team this week.

Jayde

When I was told that I had been voted as captain for the last day I was really shocked. But the shock was soon replaced by happiness and pride.

Before our final game against the USA we all said we wanted to beat them for all the staff who have helped and supported us… and we did! Earlier in the tournament we had lost to them so it was particularly sweet to win this time. It also showed how we’d improved as a team. As you can imagine we all were very happy to have won and I was really, really proud as a captain to have seen how much of a team we have become since the start.

See the Homeless World Cup report on the match here.

After all the football we had a party in the Players’ Lounge which was pretty cool. Every one danced, apart from Jody because she is boring like Ciaran, ha ha. Gareth even did the caterpillar again.

After that we went to the Coach’s hotel and had tea on the roof terrace overlooking the Zocalo. It was amazing to see a different view of the football stadium where we’d all spent the last week playing. We all got awards for different reasons chosen by other members of the squad, mine was for “most consistent”. Here’s a picture of me getting my award from Gareth.

I would like to say the best thing about this experience is the staff. Every single one of them have helped and believed in us since day one. They are the best!

Marco

First of all I would like to thank the coaches for trusting me enough and give me the chance to be captain for the day. I must say it was an incredible experience and I felt very honoured to have that role.

As part of the privilege I was able to go into the Homeless World Cup office to register our team. This is where all the magic happened. Here is a picture that I took of this very special moment.

I was very proud of my team. They were true soldiers and made me very happy. They also made England proud even though we got beaten on penalties by the Czech Republic in the Mexico City Cup quarter finals. We all played our hearts out though and won our second game of the day 6-3 against Hungary.

After losing to them earlier in the tournament this win showed how far we have come. It also means that we play Scotland in our final game on Sunday to see who finishes higher in the rankings.

I am still getting used to all the attention. I think I did ten interviews today!

Thanks for all the support back home, it’s overwhelming.

Mauva

Today I was made captain of England. It was an honour.

When we went to the Zocalo we were able to wander around the square and the local market. I saw local Shamen and indigenous Mexicans performing their tribal dances. Mexico is an amazing place, the only bad thing is the smell of sewers.

It’s funny being treated like a football celebrity: signing autographs and having pictures taken with the locals. There are also lots of young Mexican students who like to practise their English on you.

To feel the heat of the sun makes for a good feeling. It also helps my state of mind whether we win or we lose! It is like a huge party with people smiling and lots of players performing tricks with the ball.

Although I was too injured to play I was able to lead the team out. We drew 6-6 with Colombia but lost the penalty shoot-out for the extra point. Typical England!

I can feel the support of all the people in the stands when we play, and Ican feel that the atmosphere is building towards the finals being held tomorrow.

Whilst I am in Mexico I am making a “woolly hat diary” for St Mungos. Here is a picture of me and the hat with the British Ambassador.

Mark

At the team meeting the manager announced me as the captain for the day, I felt so proud of the opportunity.

Leading out the team against Poland was amazing. I wanted to win the game even more than normal as I felt the weight of the country on my shoulders. We won a very difficult game 6-5 and did our victory Gangnam Style dance on the pitch after the final whistle.

I would say out of all the Homeless World Cup experience today was the best.

Sophie

I was named captain in the morning meeting (held at a top secret location). This made me very proud and even more nervous than normal.

There was a huge protest in the middle of the city which meant that our bus couldn’t get near the pitches. We were running so late that we had to jump out of the bus and run to our first game through the streets of Mexico City. We were very warmed up and ran straight onto the pitch for our first game.

The first game was against Hungary, and then later we played Chile. Both were good matches, but as the very busy goalkeeper I can’t remember any of it because it was a blur. It’s so fast paced. All I can really remember is getting the ball out of the net (that was also the only time I could have a breather). We ended up losing both games, but it’s all about the spirit and we kept that up. Winning is just a bonus!

We could hear the boys supporting us loudly in both games, including their hilarious song about Becca! (Gareth: I’m not entirely sure the song is PC, but it IS very funny. It goes “she’s small, she’s Scouse, she hasn’t got a house, Becca Mushrow, Becca Mushrow!”).

Oh and Mauva got Mauva’d… and is now injured.

I came off at the end of the last match with a boiled egg on my knee, and I was hit in the chest so often I thought my nipples were going to fall off (sorry Dad!)! I am throwing myself around so much that by the time that the Homeless World Cup finishes I will definitely have moves like Jagger!

In the afternoon Louise wasn’t feeling very well so the Mexican doctors gave her an altitude sickness tablet which made her pass out. It was a lot quieter after that!

In the evening they turned the main pitch into a Lucha Libre stadium with the wrestling ring in the middle. It was hilarious and in one of the fights Billy was hit on by one of the male wrestlers. He was a shocking sight, and even came into the crowd to give Billy a kiss!

To round up a day as the England Women’s captain – it is a very demanding but a brilliant experience!

Aaron

I woke up very excited as I knew that we were playing Mexico today. Everyone knew how important this game was to me, and I was made captain for this special game. Incredible.

On the bus to the pitches I thought about the last Believe session, and tried to focus on the four things I want to be. By the time we arrived I was very excited and emotional.

Just before the Mexico game was very nervous, but also proud.

When I walked onto pitch it was over whelming. The announcer mentioned that I am Mexican and I could hear people shouting my name. I wanted to cry but at the same time I am so happy so I smile.

The Mexican team were excellent, but me and the team had so much fun and we gave them a decent game. I enjoyed every second. We lost but I don’t care and it is the highlight of my trip.

After the game I saw a little Mexican boy with his mum playing football and I just had to go and play with him. I loved seeing him having so much fun, smiling and laughing. He reminded me of my son and made me think of myself as a little boy in Mexico City, and how far I’ve come.

Today was a great day.

Louise

I felt really privileged to have been made captain for the day and lead our team out.  As captain I knew I needed to keep the whole team positive, and smiling.

We played Argentina and it was a very dramatic game. The score was 7-7 but the scoreboard didn’t put our last goal up so it showed that we had lost 7-6. There was a lot of talking between our coaches and the referees, and Gareth even had to come down from the stand to sort it out, but in the end they got it right and it went to penalties to decide who got the extra point. Unfortunately we lost! We were all very disappointed and there were a few tears. We then did a Believe session with Philippa about trust. This included me playing blind fold Jenga with Fara and everybody felt a lot better. Amazing!

In the evening we went to a reception held by the British Ambassador at her home. There were people from all over the world but we were the guests of honour. As I was captain I presented the ambassador with a gift of the Homeless FA medal.

I have experienced a lot whilst being in Mexico. I’ve seen a mother with her children on the streets, they had no security, no benefits, nothing.

I am proud to say I was part of this England team. My girls put 100% into every game.

Anthony 

I was told to write this in bullet points, so here goes…

Bullet point 1

Bullet point 2

Bullet po… Today I woke up because of Billy’s alarm clock as always. I wouldn’t make it to football otherwise. I was told I was captain today, and I had mixed feelings about it, but of course I accepted it.

I was really focused at the venue, eager for today’s games. The first didn’t go so well, there was a lot of tension and frustration at losing, but we overcame it as always. The second game  was a lot better, and though we lost that one too, we were all happier at the end. In the end everyone was probably too sore and tired to do anything anyway. But I kept on singing.

Was really impressed with the girls team, because at the start they were losing by 15 goals to Brazil, yet they always have a smile one their faces. Although the men’s team are better technically, the women are a better team.

Oh and I twisted my ankle when I jumped up when Jess scored THAT volley. It was amazing.

Jess

Bit shocked by the captain announcement, I couldn’t find the words to say anything, but I was dead happy. We trained to get ready for our game against Guatemala, had a really good feeling about it… and we were right! We had all decided to just go and have a laugh, but in the end we won!

After the excitement of the game the ref asked if he could talk to us. I thought we were in trouble, but he actually told us that he really enjoyed refereeing our games because how we are, including our teamwork, our respect and our “amazing” attitude. He also said that we had won the hearts of everyone.

In the afternoon we played Canada, and lost 7-5. People have told me that it was one of the best games of the Homeless World Cup. During the Canada game I scored a left footed backward volley straight into the back of the net. Also during that game we realised that Mauva is a national hero, as  everyone cheered when she stepped onto the pitch!

Since we have been in Mexico, the Homeless World Cup has produced a special story about Mauva.

In the evening we visited a VERY expensive shopping centre. I might look for some cheap markets instead. On the way back Mark and Bucko decided to do a 100m race down the middle of the pavement, dodging people as they went. Bucko won!

Shaunray

My day started with getting Wilks up for breakfast (me and Billy laughed because he woke up like a 70 year old man). Defo not a morning person.

As captain I got to go to the Football Office and found out about all the work that´s done inside. That´s where we register our team before each match. We talked tactics before kick off and I was wanting a real team spirit and to get them motivated. I tried to lead by example on the pitch. I felt like I failed and had my worst personal performance today, but the team done well.

Me and Marco were discussing our likes and learning things about each other. This year we both put so much hard work to change our lives around – despite all the obstacles.

We went to a football museum and we had a bit of banter and competition with the lads. The time flew! Billy´s very competitive which isn´t a bad thing because it can push him to do better. The lads were positive with their attitude during the day although we drawed and lost on pens. One of the players was having a down day and I was trying to get him out of that negative place by giving him support and motivating him.

I´m gutted about today´s result because I believe we should have won but, tomorrow we can pull it back. Can´t wait.

Jayde

When I got the captaincy I was really surprised and shocked. But very happy. How all the girls have progressed since day one has been amazing and we showed this in our game against Paraguay that we won!!

Gareth had promised that when we won our first game he would do the worm on the pitch, so when the final whistle went he did it. It was really funny. Another funny thing that happened was that Mauva got Mauva-ed and although people keep saying that I’m the tough one on the team it was Lou who injured loads of people. One of the Paraguay players even got stretchered off! (Gareth: The injured player was fine in the end. Honest.)

After the football we travelled for DAYS to a football museum in the middle of nowhere. I couldn’t read a thing as I don’t speak Spanish! Rosie made friends with a big football (Gareth: The big football is the Mexico Homeless World Cup mascot called “Amigol”). Then on the way back we were driving into a crazy lightening storm, and planes were flying straight through it!

Emmanuel

Found out that Aaron doesn’t sleep, he is up at 4am in the morning, ready and waiting for me to wake up!

When I finally woke up I showered and discovered that my hair had grown by 0.2inches. After breakfast we met up in our top facility secret team meeting room (outside the lift) and I found out that I was to be captain for the day. It was a huge shock but I felt very very blessed.

Again the journey to the World Cup was fun and energetic. PARTY BUS!

Was fun playing table tennis and smashing the other teams in the Players’ Lounge, but I hoped we could take this to the pitch. Met where all the magic happens at the Homeless World Cup as I filled in the team registers in the Football office.

Led the England team onto the pitch and we won gracefully twice!! Blessed!

Had a huge crowd supporting and watching us all the time, including when we danced to “Gangnam Style” as a team, before Billy showed off some skills with the ball. We also made sure we supported the girls as loudly as we could.

“Party bus” on the way back was rocking and the bus was actually bouncing again. We even stopped to buy four mini guitars from a cute Mexican for 600 pesos! LOL.

Highlights of the day were doing my captains speech though the medium of dance, and all the friends from other nations I made whilst thrashing them at ping pong. I beat around seven different nationalities.

Rosie

I woke up to turn my alarm off and walked straight into the wardrobe. Then, at breakfast, I walked straight into the wall and all the Guatemala team laughed at me!

I went upstairs and Emmanuel got told he was captain at our secret location outside the lifts where we get interrupted a lot. I was soooo pleased for him. Then when they said my name I was soooo shocked and when everyone clapped I was soooo happpy and felt like crying.

The Argentinian coach wanted a photo with Becca and she looked over the moon as she couldn´t play the match against USA. I think she was made up after the coach asked for her picture. Our dancing was still going strong and the crowd lapped it up. Me, Louise, Becca (on one foot) and Jess did the conga and a few people joined in from other countries.

Peter Andre (Lindsey: An Austrian player who may or may not look like Peter Andre) wanted a kiss for a photo and then said ´see you tomorrow´!!! The Captains have decided Philippa doesn´t look like a Philippa, more like a Jennifer (Lindsey: Phillipa is the Education Coordinator from Manchester United leading workshops for players and is indeed called Philippa).

A lot of emotions were about but that´s when I see how strong our team is because we all come together. A great bit of the day was when the girl on the other team got Mauva-ed and everyone in the crowd roared!

Peace out. Rosie x

Paul

Woke up at 6am and got myself ready. Went down for breakfast at 7.30 am, then had a team meeting at 8.15am. At the team meeting I found out that I was going to be captain for the two games of the day. I just couldn’t believe it at first, but it sank in when all the lads congratulated me. Then it hit me, I was going to be captain of my country. I felt really proud.

When we got to the Homeless World Cup venue I got the lads together for a quick training session at the training pitches. We just went through some basic dribbling and shooting, then went and chilled out in the Players’ Lounge, which is like a VIP lounge. I was then interviewed again which makes me feel like a superstar.

All the lads then went to watch the girls play their game against Mexico. Unfortunately they lost but they were brilliant. I then rounded up the lads and made sure we were waiting in the players’ lounge to congratulate the girls.

As I was captain I had a chat with Chad and Ciaran about the registration and starting line-up, then had a chat with Gareth, the Head of the Homeless FA, who told me how proud he was of me. We then had a training session before our first game against Bulgaria. We lost, but we kept our heads held high.

After lunch we all watched a couple of matches before our second game of the day against Hong Kong. I put myself on the bench so some of the lads who hadn’t started the first game could start this time. I was so proud of myself and we won 9-4 so we were all buzzing. After the final whistle we all celebrated with a dance on the pitch then went to find the Hong Kong captain to give him the Homeless FA England medal that I forgot to give him at the beginning because I was so excited.

I then found all the players in the “VIP Area” and we got back on the bus to go back to the hotel. And that is the day in the life of Paul Thompson, England Captain.

Since we have been in Mexico, the Homeless World Cup has produced a special story about England and Germany featuring Paul.

Becca

Woke up at 7am. It was the first time that I didn’t want to get out of bed. We had our team meeting and I FOUND OUT I WAS CAPTAIN. I haven’t felt so proud in my life.

Then I got told we had to do a bit of research on the Mexico team, I was a bit gutted that it wasn’t Argentina.

We got beat by Mexico, but we made them work for it. During the game I threw up luminous pink sick! I stood on the pitch trying to get Bucko’s attention, doing a cross between a dance and a traffic controller.

All the girls then went and watched the lads, and I was dancing with Louise to “I’m sexy and I know it”! I felt famous getting stopped by Mexicans for photos and autographs.

Was on the “Party Bus” again, and even Philippa, Lindsey and John were dancing. Our guides Bruno and Maurice taught me how to say “you are beautiful”. It’s “tu eres el mosa”. Must find that Argentinean coach tomorrow.