Interview with Manager of Ireland's Homeless World Cup Team

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When did the idea of sending an Irish side to the HWC first come up?

                 

In my work with the Street Paper Irelands Issues Magazine I was aware of the apathy among young lads who felt they were left behind and there seemed an inevitability about where they would end up, at the same time I became aware of the Homeless World Cup which was about to kick off for the first time. We were on the reserve list of teams that applied to enter and had some difficulty getting accepted because we were not known to the organizers. I thought at the time that it was essential that we participate because I knew that the lads would benefit enormously from it.

 

Are most of the people who work with the national side involved with both the shelters and in football?

 

It’s a mixture of both

 

 

How has Ireland done since they’ve started to enter the competition?

 

When picking the team we always like to strike a balance between a good footballing side and lads that would benefit the most from the experience. Having said that we won the INSP trophy in 2004 and Edinburgh Cup in 2006 while reaching the quarter finals of the World Cup in 2005.

 

How gratifying was it to win the Edinburgh Trophy at the 2006 HWC?

 

I was delighted, the lads had put so much into it and deserved to come home with something.

 

What were your initial feelings when you were contacted by ESPN about the Irish team, and specifically two players, being profiled for the documentary “Kicking It?”

                       

They assured me that it wouldn’t be an exploitative piece, and once our lads were comfortable with the idea, I didn’t mind.

 

What has the feedback been in Ireland over “Kicking It?”

 

It’s disappointing; nobody has seen the film here, even the guys who participated in it. I have tried on numerous occasions to get a copy, but red tape with the owners has prevented this. I even wanted to organize a charity premiere here to raise funds but couldn’t get permission to show it. It’s very disappointing I think we’ve been left out of the loop despite all the help with the filming process. I’m trying to get in touch with Colin Farrell who expressed an interest to meet the lads but again this has proved difficult, he’s a good guy but getting in touch with him is not easy.

 

What is the homeless side’s relationship with the FAI like?

 

Excellent, John Delaney of the FAI has been very helpful and we are part of their football for all program.

 

Can you tell us a bit about how the boys from the 2006 side, including Simon Canning and Damien Farrell, have done since winning the trophy?

 

Of the 2006 side 4 are working full time, one is in college studying social studies another runs his own haulage business while one is teaching computer courses.

Damian is doing ok. I’m not sure whether you are aware of this but Simon died 3 months after the tournament. For whatever reason it seems he made a bad choice and suffered the ultimate consequence.  His tragic death affected us all.  He met up with somebody who introduced him to something and because of the fact he’d been clean for so long his body couldn’t tolerate it. A tragic accident, he had just bought a guitar earlier that day to indulge in his love of music.

 

To what degree do you think street soccer can make a difference for Ireland and the world’s homeless population?

 

It shows what can be achieve when people are encouraged and given opportunities, it’s all about confidence and self belief few people want to be homeless by choice it’s usually a reflection of the society they’ve been brought up in. There are very few people in life that didn’t need a helping hand at some stage.

 

Describe how street soccer is being run in Dublin. Are there plans for expansion?

 

We have five leagues in Dublin. One in Wheatfield prison. One in Cork, Limerick,  Athlone, Galway , Waterford and Longford

 

How is the selection process run each year?

 

We monitor the guys in the street leagues throughout the year and hold street league finals in May and select a panel from which the final team to represent Ireland in the HWC is picked.

 

Can we expect some variation of international friendlies in the coming years with the team?

 

We’ve just played in a European tournament in Poland and came fifth of ten. One of our players Jimmy Bell was named player of the tournament, which was a great achievement.

 

What was it like to have the 2006 side introduced to the crowd at halftime during a Republic of Ireland 2006 friendly against Holland at Croke Park?

 

It was a great feeling, and I’m sure one they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.

 

Finally, what are your ambitions for the team in the future and in this year’s HWC in Melbourne this December?

 

To enjoy, do the best they can, make friends and remember that this is just one highlight in their lives and not to make it the only one. They’re come so far to get here, but it’s only the beginning, opportunities are out there for everybody but to enjoy them and get the most out of it you have to put the effort in. Just like football, it’s all part of a greater journey.

 

- Andrew McCarten

 

Note: All our prayers are with Simon Canning's family, and others in a similar state.