The crisp winter air nipped at the faces of the two men on the indoor soccer field in Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood. For Fabrice Mugabe and Jean-Philippe Duré, residents of a local homeless shelter, this wasn’t just a pick-up game; it was an audition. Recruiters from the Canadian Street Soccer Association were observing, searching for players to represent Canada at the Homeless World Cup, an annual international tournament held in Oslo, Norway, later that year. The opportunity to showcase their skills, to feel the familiar rush of competition, represented more than just a chance to play the game they loved; it was a step towards reclaiming their lives. For Mugabe, the physical exertion left him “tired, exhausted, winded,” yet exhilarated. The practice rekindled a passion he hadn’t felt in a long time, a spark of hope for a future beyond the shelter walls. Duré, equally enthusiastic, was determined to demonstrate his talent and earn a spot on the team.
The Canadian Street Soccer Association, the organization behind the tryouts, uses the power of sport as a tool for social reintegration. Targeting individuals experiencing homelessness and other forms of social marginalization, the association aims to build community, restore self-worth, and provide a pathway back to a stable life. The Homeless World Cup, organized by the Homeless World Cup Foundation, provides a unique platform for these aspirations. The association’s goal is to recruit players from across Canada, bringing together a diverse team united by their shared experiences and their passion for soccer. The COVID-19 pandemic had dealt a devastating blow to Mugabe, costing him his job and his home. He found himself adrift, with nowhere to turn. Maison du Père, a Montreal men’s shelter, provided him with refuge and support. Now, with a new job, he is slowly rebuilding his life, saving diligently to secure an apartment.
Bob Humphreys, the Quebec program director for the Canadian Street Soccer Association, orchestrated the practice session. A native of London, England, Humphreys understands the transformative potential of sports. For him, the focus isn’t solely on athletic prowess but on the social benefits. The program provides a safe and supportive environment for participants to develop social skills, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with society. While Humphreys had anticipated a larger turnout, the frigid temperatures and unforeseen logistical challenges, including a flat tire on the Old Brewery Mission’s transport vehicle, limited participation. Despite the small numbers, the session was charged with positive energy, a testament to the resilience and determination of the players.
For Duré, homelessness had been a reality since 2021. The soccer program offered him a chance to escape the daily struggles of life on the streets and focus on his passion. The sense of camaraderie and the opportunity to compete provided a much-needed boost to his morale. Samuel Drolet-Bégin, an intervention worker at Maison du Père, noted the program’s unique value in fostering positive relationships between caseworkers and residents outside the confines of the shelter. The shared experience of playing and supporting each other on the field strengthens bonds and builds trust, crucial elements in the journey towards recovery.
Hossam Khedr, CEO of the Canadian Street Soccer Association, outlined the selection process for the Homeless World Cup. Eight players, forming a mixed men’s and women’s team, would be chosen to represent Canada. Initially, recruitment focused on Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, but future plans include expanding the program to all Canadian provinces. The Homeless World Cup features a modified format, with teams fielding four players – a goalkeeper and three outfielders – on a smaller pitch than the standard FIFA regulations. Eligibility criteria prioritize individuals who are recently homeless or in temporary housing. However, consideration is also given to individuals with fixed addresses facing challenges such as refugee status, mental health issues, or addiction. The selection committee aims to choose participants who will derive the greatest benefit from the experience of traveling to Norway and competing on the international stage.
Ed Kiwanuka-Quinlan, the association’s Ontario director of operations, shared his personal experience of how street soccer had been a lifeline during his own period of homelessness. Overwhelmed by his mother’s death and the trauma of the Ugandan civil war, he battled depression and attempted suicide. While staying in a shelter, a chance encounter with a street soccer program changed his trajectory. Initially hesitant, he eventually joined a game and experienced the profound feeling of belonging. Every successful pass, every goal celebrated, reignited a spark of hope within him. Within two years, he progressed from homelessness to representing Canada at the 2012 Homeless World Cup in Mexico. For Kiwanuka-Quinlan, the simple act of being invited to play was transformative. It reminded him of his worth and ignited his determination to rebuild his life. This transformative power of sport, the ability to instill a sense of belonging and purpose, lies at the heart of the Canadian Street Soccer Association’s mission and the Homeless World Cup’s enduring impact.
