Mexicans add flair to International Street Football Festival

Monday 23 Nov 2015
Back to news >

The Homeless FA hosted the inaugural International Street Football Festival between 16-19 November in Manchester with the Men’s and Women’s teams from Mexico starring.

Supported by Kick It Out, Centrepoint, Football Beyond Borders and Copa 90 the tournament provide the competitors with an opportunity to take part in an unique experience away from their daily lives.

Teams from England, Netherlands, Scotland and Mexico took part in a four-a-side tournament at the Victoria Warehouse, situated near Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium.

The festival saw the teams gather three days before the tournament to develop a deeper understanding of football as well as gaining further education to develop their lives. Visits to Old Trafford, Hotel Football and the National Football Museum were also part of the festival activities.

The tournament saw Men’s and Women’s matches take place simultaneously with the teams from Mexico winning both competitions, as they defeated their respective Scottish counterparts in each final.

England Women’s star Fara Williams, who is a Homeless FA Patron, visited the tournament and offered her encouragement to the teams involved.

Speaking during the competition, Fara said: “Every Homeless tournament creates a special atmosphere which is unique to each team and the people taking part.

“I overcame what I have needed to in my own life to play football professionally now, but what I think the Homeless FA does is give people an opportunity to try and get out of very difficult situations.

“When I was younger that opportunity wasn’t available and unheard of so I think the Homeless FA is fantastic and something I am proud to be involved with.”

Kabir Breathen, who captained the England Men’s team at the tournament, summarised his pride of being part of the tournament.

“I’m so proud of my Team England family,” Kabir said.

“We have become one big family during this festival and even the teams that have come in, like the Mexicans, Dutch and Scottish have all been so positive and I love a bit of positivity.

“To lead my team out on that pitch and hear the national anthem was something I dreamt about as a kid. And because I have been so happy I’ve been able to tear it up on the football pitch which is excellent and I could not have asked for anything more.”

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

Archives

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010