June 22 – The Homeless World Cup, which kicks off July 15 in Sacramento in the US, has received a donation from five Scottish Premier League clubs to make sure Ukraine’s team can travel and stay at the tournament.
Aberdeen, Celtic, Hearts, Hibernian and Rangers, will cover travel for Ukraine to compete in the 18th edition of the tournament, being held in the US for the first time in its 20-year history.
The Way Home, a charitable foundation in Odessa, Ukraine, has been a partner and worked alongside the Homeless World Cup for a number of years and have been an inaugural part of the tournament since 2004 and were winners of the Homeless World Cup in Milan 2009.
The Sacramento 2023 Homeless World Cup will take place from July 8 to July 15 at California State University, Sacramento.
The Homeless World Cup is an annual, international football tournament. Teams of men and women who are homeless or have experienced homelessness get the chance to represent their country during the tournament.
Mel Young, co-founder, and Homeless World Cup President, said: “It’s fantastic news that the five Scottish clubs have come together to ensure Ukraine, one of our key partners can get to and compete in Sacramento. The Way Home has continued to work in extremely difficult conditions in Odessa.
“All five clubs didn’t hesitate when asked to help our Ukrainian partner with their journey and we are incredibly grateful for their support in making this dream a reality to those players who will represent Ukraine on the international stage in Sacramento.”
Aberdeen’s Chief Executive, Alan Burrows, said: “Football is a game for all and as a club we were delighted to play our part in supporting Ukraine’s journey to Sacramento to participate in the 2023 Homeless World Cup.
“The ongoing conflict in Ukraine shouldn’t be a barrier for those looking to participate in sport and the Homeless World Cup is the perfect example of how football can inspire and change lives for the better.”
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