Friday 8 July 2016 14:27, UK
The Homeless World Cup kicks-off this weekend with Glasgow’s George Square being transformed into a multi-stadia venue for the occasion.
The iconic landmark in the city centre is almost unrecognisable as the statues, monuments and benches have been turned into an outdoor street football venue with three purpose-built pitches.
Players from 52 countries are descending on Glasgow between the 10th and 16th of July, as the competition kicks-off with a short opening ceremony on Sunday.
The objective of the Homeless World Cup is simple: changing people's lives through football. From the humble beginnings with just 18 teams in the inaugural tournament of 2003 to the 64 sides taking part in Glasgow 2016, the Homeless World Cup can be credited for impacting the lives of more than one million people worldwide.
David Duke competed for Scotland in the 2004 HWC while dealing with alcohol-related issues after the death of his father. From there, David has completed his Scottish Football Association coaching badges and since set up Street Soccer Scotland, a group who provide "football themed training and personal development opportunities for socially disadvantaged groups across Scotland".
He managed the Scottish team as they lifted the Homeless World Cup in 2007 and hopes more people are able to follow his lead in turning their lives around.
"The Homeless World Cup was the rope that allowed me to pull myself out of a very dark hole," he said. "It helped me and now I can help others. When homeless people say to me I can't change, I say yes you can. I did. So can you."
Despite an absence from Euro 2016, there could be success for Scotland this summer as the HWC team picked up the men's trophy in both the 2007 and 2011 tournaments.
Mexico are the current champions and are seeded second for this year's event, with Brazil the favourites.
Teams will compete in four-a-side matches of two halves of seven minutes with separate competitions for men and women. However, females can compete in the male version of the tournament.
With a host of penalty shoot-outs at this year's European Championships, supporters attending the Homeless World Cup will not be bereft of drama as no game ends in a draw. Instead, all ties are concluded by way of sudden-death penalties.
It all kicks off this Sunday with all 64 teams parading down Glasgow's Renfield Street from 12.15pm before the beginning of the opening ceremony at 12.30pm.
Scotland, as the home nation, start the football proceedings with the first fixture of the competition against Hong Kong at 1pm before the women's team take on Norway shortly after.
For more information visit: https://www.homelessworldcup.org/
