Ireland lift trophy in Homeless World Cup

An Irish football team have made their country proud after winning gold in an international sporting event.

The Irish Homeless Street Leagues, which has run numerous street leagues around Ireland since 2003, lifted the Fundacion Telmex Telcel Trophy after beating Romania 8-3 in their final match.

The 16th edition of the Homeless World Cup took place in Mexico City’s iconic Zocalo, right in the heart of the Mexican capital, from November 13-18. More than 450 players representing 42 countries travelled to there to attend the inspiring week-long festival of football, in what was one of the most spectacular Homeless World Cup tournaments yet – with Ireland taking the title.

Irish Homeless Street Leagues use the power of sport to transform the lives of individuals from underprivileged, poorly educated, socially excluded and conflicting communities.

They engage with both male and female players, usually between the ages of 16 and 40 years, who are traditionally excluded from mainstream activities.