Sport – Page 3 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Champions League Ready? Mapping Europe’s Best & Worst Stadiums

Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park tops the list for best European football stadiums, and will host several key group stage matches in the 24/25 Champions League season
Tickets to a Borussia Dortmund match average just £30, with an impressive Google review score of 4.7/5 and a capacity of 81,365
In contrast, Germany’s BayArena in Leverkusen holds the lowest rating, scoring 4.32

With the Champions League kicking off next week, Europe is abuzz with excitement for the new football season. As 96 group stage matches are set to unfold across the continent, fans are eagerly anticipating thrilling games and unforgettable moments in iconic stadiums.

To enhance the fan experience, luggage storage network Stasher has rated the continent’s top football venues. Discover where to catch the best action and enjoy the ultimate football experience this season.

The top (and bottom) five stadiums and their scores

Top 5				Bottom 5
#	Stadium	Country	Score	#	Stadium	Country	Score
1	Signal Iduna Park	Dortmund, Germany	5.94	50	Bay Arena	Leverkusen, Germany	4.32
2	Santiago Bernabéu Stadium	Madrid, Spain	5.92	49	Ljudski Vrt	Maribor, Slovenia	4.33
3	Camp Nou	Barcelona, Spain	5.73	48	King Baudouin Stadium	Brussels, Belgium	4.35
4	Old Trafford	Manchester, England	5.52	47	Estadio El Madrigal	Villarreal, Spain	4.36
5	San Siro	Milan, Italy	5.44	46	Stadium of Light	Sunderland, England	4.36

Of the 50 stadiums analysed, Signal Iduna Park (5.94) – home of Borussia Dortmund and site of the Euro 2024 semi-final – ranks in first position as the best stadium in Europe.

Known for its famous yellow-wall and notoriously good atmosphere, this stadium ranks well in all categories, with a large capacity (81,365), reasonable average ticket price (35€ just under £30), and very good public accessibility, complemented by excellent Google reviews (4.7/5).

Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium ranks second. With a high capacity (81,044) and outstanding disabled access, it also offers a very low cost of a pint 2.5€ (around £2.10) and great Google reviews (4.6/5), making it a top choice. Barcelona’s Camp Nou ranks third, just losing out to its Spanish rival. The largest stadium in the list with a capacity of 99,354, Camp Nou also boasts great disabled access and good public transport connections.

Coming in fourth, but reigning supreme in the UK, is Manchester’s Old Trafford (5.52). Renowned for its exceptional disabled access and excellent transport links, this iconic stadium boasts a capacity of 74,140 and very positive Google reviews (4.6/5).

Completing the top five is Milan’s legendary San Siro, the shared home of rival clubs Inter Milan and AC Milan. For years, rumours of its demolition have circulated, threatening to erase a piece of football history.

Recently, however, these plans were halted due to arguments for its cultural significance (https://footballgroundguide.com/news/san-siro-rebuild-demolition-updates).

German stadiums top and tail this list, with Leverkusen’s Bay Arena coming 50th on the list. Expensive beers, average disabled access and weaker Google reviews (4.4) give it the lowest score of any stadium on this list.

English stadiums rank well overall, with four of them featuring in the top 10. Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium secures a strong position at 6th, surpassing its fierce North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and their new stadium since 2019, which closely follows at 7th. Meanwhile, the iconic Wembley Stadium claims the 8th spot in the rankings.

Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, in Tbilisi Georgia, is the ideal destination for budget-conscious sports enthusiasts. Not only does it offer the cheapest tickets on this list at €10 (around £8.40), but it also serves the most affordable beer, with an average pint costing €1.67 (just under £1.50). The stadium once recorded an attendance of 110,000 in 1979 when FC Dinamo played against Liverpool, but has since undergone extensive renovations, resulting in a significantly reduced seating capacity.

England has consistently the most expensive tickets – taking the 5 most expensive rankings in our table. Old Trafford’s average ticket price is a staggering €118 (around £100). The stadium with the highest cost of a pint is the Emirates Stadium in London, home to Arsenal FC (7,45€ or £6.30).

Germany offers the cheapest tickets of any west European country – with tickets typically costing €30 – €35 (£25 – £30).

To see the full data for each stadium please visit Stasher’s dedicated webpage here.

Edinburgh City FC announces sponsor partnership with Nuffield Health

Edinburgh City Football Club (ECFC) of the Scottish Professional League (SPL) League 2, has partnered with Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest trading charity.

The partnership spotlights Nuffield Health’s comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing which spans physical and mental health — from personal training, health assessments, GP services, and physiotherapy to providing mental health support or hospital treatments for serious conditions.

The arrangement provides both health and wellbeing and traditional medical services to players and staff of ECFC and hopes to raise awareness for its network of services among Edinburgh community members and football fans.

In addition to working to promote the partnership through traditional and social media activations, Nuffield Health will be the ECFC First Team Jersey Sleeve sponsor and Headline sponsor of the ECFC Under 18 Academy Team for the 2024 / 2025 season.

“This is a momentous day for Edinburgh City Football Club as we work with one of the most recognized and respected names in healthcare in Scotland and the UK,” says John Dickson, Chairman of ECFC of the partnership.

“Giving our athletes access to Nuffield Health’s fitness and well-being will make the difference as we work toward a winning season in League 2.”

The Director of Wellbeing, Scotland of Nuffield Health, Naomi McMinn, believes “Edinburgh City FC is deeply entrenched in the local community and will serve to exemplify the value of a focus on wellbeing as it relates to health.

“We are confident that this partnership will help us positively impact the health outcomes for many more people in Edinburgh and Scotland.”

Edinburgh City Football Club is a semi-professional senior Scottish football club which plays in Scottish League Two, the fourth tier of the Scottish Professional Football League.

ECFC made SPFL history in 2016, by becoming the first team to progress to league football, via the pyramid system and becoming the first “third” senior football club in Edinburgh. ECFC currently plays its home games at Meadowbank Stadium.

Scots Paralympians congratulated

First Minister: athletes at the top of their fields inspirational

As the 2024 Paralympic Games draws to a close, First Minister John Swinney has commended Scottish athletes for their world-class performances which will inspire future generations.

21 Scottish athletes took part individually or in team events, securing 11 gold medals, eight silver medals and one bronze medal – contributing to ParalympicsGB’s overall medals tally of 124 medals.

Athletes from Scotland broke records in pursuit of gold medals, including Stephen Clegg’s record-breaking S12 backstroke time, Jenny Holl’s effort as pilot for Sophie Unwin on her way to gold and a world record in the Women’s B 3,000m individual cycling pursuit, and Sammi Kinghorn achieving a gold medal while setting a new Paralympic Record for the Women’s T53 100m.

The First Minister said: “I want to pay tribute to and congratulate all of the ParalympicsGB squad, including the 21 Scots on the team, for your performances in Paris.

“You are all athletes at the top of your field, and Scotland has been cheering you on throughout these Games.

“Your performances will inspire people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to take up sport, achieve their own goals and become more active in their own lives. The next generation will be inspired by where you are now, and the Scottish Government and partners will work to ensure there will be opportunities for them to follow suit.”

Forbes Dunlop, CEO of sportscotland, said: “On behalf of everyone at sportscotland I want to congratulate every single one of the Scottish athletes who have represented Paralympics GB in Paris over the last couple of weeks.

“There have been some extremely strong performances from our athletes, including personal bests, Paralympic and World records and a very impressive haul of medals, demonstrating the enormous level of commitment and talent across the team.

“All of this success is down to years of hard work from the athletes, their coaches and their wider support teams including Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport and the sportscotland institute of sport and we are proud to be part of the ‘team behind team’ supporting the athletes.”

Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, said: “Congratulations to all the Scottish Paralympians and their significant support networks in Paris.

“The performances are testimony to the inclusive approach Scottish Governing Bodies of sport are taking to ensuring para-athletes are supported.

“Not all of us will be able to reach the heights of these international high-performance athletes however, what we can do is commit to working in partnership to ensure that children, young people and adults can access quality PE, comprehensive sporting opportunities and the chance to move more every day.”

Spartans FC marks youth players’ long service with special medals

Long-serving Spartans youth players have been presented with medals to mark 10 years of service to the club.

The group belong to the current Under-17s set-up, having first joined not long after starting primary school.

Les Atkinson is chairman of the youth section and said: “We want to make people feel welcome and create a safe place for them to play their football and enjoy themselves here. It’s the ethos of the club which we work on and testimony to that is the length of time people stay at the club.

“There is a real family feel to the club, a community spirit to it, and that helps keep players with us as they want to be part of something special.

“We are always pleased to develop players so they can move to bigger clubs but often they come back to us if things don’t work out for whatever reason.”

Spartans take on Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the quarter-final of the League Cup later this month and Les, who is also manager of the Under-20 Development Squad, added: “We have a visible pathway now which the youngsters can see. At least half a dozen of the first team players have come through the youth section to the U20 development squad and into the top team.

“Now we are in the SPFL, the players have a real target to aim for. The success of the first team filters down to the development team and then through the youth section and creates a real feel-good factor.

“But we have always been about more than just football and winning trophies. A key part of our success is doing a lot outwith the football, helping the local community.”

The youngsters were presented with the medals at half-time of a recent league match at Ainslie Park.

Photo shows back row (l-r): Les Atkinson (Spartans FC Youth Chairman), Stuart Gray (coach development officer), Daniel Weir, Cameron Findlay, Joe Barry, Josh Smith, Ola Benson, Michael Kiddie, Ford Mills, Tony Lewis (U17s coach), Paul Woods (U17s coach).Front row (l-r): Hugo Boyle, Charlie Cusiter, Preston Kennedy, Joe Woods, Ben Lewis, Finlay McNally, Chris Mill.

Aspiring footballers score donation from Amazon in Edinburgh

The Amazon Edinburgh team has collaborated with David Pollacchi, Managing Director of Lomax Sports to support Firrhill High School and the Kevin Thomson Academy with donations of over £3,000 worth of equipment.

The football coaching kits include embroidered sportswear, footballs and cones. The academy will use the equipment as part of a partnership with Firrhill High School, a secondary school based in south- west Edinburgh, which has received two sets of 11 aside school football kits as part of the donations.

The Kevin Thomson Academy (KTA) offers football coaching across the city through classes, private and team sessions. The Academy is run Kevin Thomson, a former Scottish professional footballer who played for clubs including Hibs, Middlesborough and Rangers.

David Pollacchi has a proven track record of making a tangible difference within communities in Edinburgh and has been formally recognised by Sportscotland, Scottish Football Association and the City of Edinburgh for driving sporting initiatives to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of children within the city.

To mark the donation, members of the Amazon team and the Kevin Thomson Academy visited staff and pupils from Firrhill High School to donate the items.

Ethan Smith from Amazon in Edinburgh said: “As an avid football fan, I’m so pleased Amazon has supported Firrhill High School and the Kevin Thomson Academy with these donations.

“It was a pleasure meeting pupils and members of the school and academy, and I hope this donation makes a lasting impact.”

Kevin Thomson added: “We want to express our thanks to Ethan and the team at Amazon in Edinburgh for this donation.

“Football is our passion and with donations like this, we can continue to support young people across the city in developing their skills and keeping fit. Huge thanks to David Pollacchi for managing and facilitating the whole process end to end over a number of months.

” We look forward to our training with Firrhill High School.”

Graham Hamilton, Headteacher at Firrhill High School, said: “Thank you to David Pollacchi and Kevin Thomson, generously supported by Amazon in Edinburgh, for this donation of equipment, which means so much to our pupils.

“It was great to meet David, Kevin and the team from Amazon and we look forward to the sessions run by the Kevin Thomson Academy and to many victories in these new strips.”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.

Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 4 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.

Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.

Musselburgh tunes up for Oktober oompah raceday – in September

A Scottish racecourse is bringing a touch of Munich to Musselburgh in hosting its first Oktoberfest Raceday this month.

Bavarian beer steins will clink to the tunes of one of the UK’s top oompah bands at the raceday on Saturday 14 September, which also features seven top Flat races, including the Musselburgh Gold Cup.

Taking its lead from the famous Munich Oktoberfest, now in its 189^th year and which runs from September into October, a Bavarian marquee will be the focal point for the East Lothian track’s festivities.

Stein holding and keg rolling competitions are planned and Oktoberfest themed street food vans will offer a range of bratwurst, pretzels and German beer, and following the last race the celebrations continue with an After Racing Party.

The Jager Maestros – a German Oompah Band – features seven of the country’s finest brass players and will get the afternoon underway with a mesmerising journey through Oktoberfest songs and games.

A past sell-out act at the Edinburgh Fringe, they are in demand at Oktoberfests throughout Europe and have been a hit with audiences across the UK.

The feature race of the day is the £20,000 Musselburgh Gold Cup over 2m 2f which is supported by six other competitive races, with the first contest provisionally timed for 4.10pm.

Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “Oktoberfest is a phenomenon and anyone who has been fortunate to visit Munich or other events will know how much fun they are.

“We wanted to introduce a taste of Munich to Musselburgh and our own Oktoberfest promises to be a brilliant afternoon and evening out as we finish off our summer season. We are encouraging racegoers to don their finest lederhosen – but it is not essential!”

Gates open on 14 September at 1.30pm and tickets bought in advance are reduced by £5 for a limited period.

Provisional first and last race times are 4:10pm and 7.20pm respectively.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Spartan Army marches into League Cup Quarter-Finals

CONGRATULATIONS to North Edinburgh’s own community club The Spartans, who yesterday created their own piece of history when they defeated top-flight team Ross County at Ainslie Park.

League Two Spartans hard-fought 1-0 victory sees the local side progress into the quarter finals for the first time in their history.

Blair Henderson’s looping header in the first minute of the second half proved to be the difference between the two teams but the result was no fluke – County manager Don Cowie acknowledged well-organised Spartans thoroughly deserved their win.

With a toothless Hearts losing tamely at Falkirk yesterday and Hibs facing the might of Celtic in Glasgow this afternoon, Spartans are likely to be the only capital club left in the competition.

The draw for the quarter-finals of the @PremSportsTV Cup will take place today after the Celtic v Hibernian tie.

Quarter-final ties are due to be played on the weekend of 21/22 September.

The R&A transforms iconic Scottish locations for AIG Women’s Open

The R&A has continued to build on its “Never Stop Playing” campaign with a new and playful initiative which has seen golf terminology pop-up at iconic Scottish landmarks.

This fresh chapter aims to heighten excitement for the AIG Women’s Open, which is set to take place from 21-25 August, 2024, at the historic Old Course in St Andrews. The latest activation cleverly merges golf with Scotland’s renowned sites, continuing to engage and captivate fans in the lead-up to the Championship.

Highlights

See Birdies

Where: Edinburgh Zoo
What: Adapted plaque at the flamingo exhibit
Copy: “See birds at Edinburgh Zoo. See birdies at the AIG Women’s Open. St Andrews, 21-25 August. Never Stop Playing”
Quiet Please

Where: The National Library, Edinburgh
What: Quiet sign
Copy: “Quiet Please. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”

The 19th Hole
- Where: Loch Leven Castle
- What: Makeshift tee box facing into the loch
- Copy: “Hole 19. 596 yards. Par 5. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”
Chip Shots
- Where: Anstruther Fish Bar, St Andrews
- What: Signpost outside
- Copy: “World Class Chips ➡ World Class Chip Shots. ➡ Never Stop Playing. AIGWO

This pop-up initiative follows the recent launch of the world’s first playable golf billboard. Unveiled at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station on 1st August, this interactive billboard allowed fans to experience the thrill of playing the par-3 8th hole of the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, host of this year’s AIG Women’s Open.

Zoe Ridgway, Championship Director of the AIG Women’s Open at The R&A, commented: “Our latest activation is designed to infuse golf with a fresh and engaging twist, transforming iconic Scottish landmarks with golf-themed elements.

“As part of our ‘Never Stop Playing’ campaign, this initiative invites fans to see familiar sites through a new lens, amplifying their excitement and connection to the AIG Women’s Open.

“We’re thrilled to offer both new and long-time golf enthusiasts a unique way to experience the championship and celebrate the sport in a creative and memorable manner.”

Edinburgh Locations:

1. See Birdies

– Where: Edinburgh Zoo

– What: Adapted plaque at the flamingo exhibit

– Copy: “See birds at Edinburgh Zoo. See birdies at the AIG Women’s Open. St Andrews, 21st-25th August. Never Stop Playing”

2. Ground Under Repair

– Where: Victoria Street, Edinburgh

– What: Fly posters on scaffolding/building sites

– Copy: “Ground Under Repair. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”

3. Quiet Please

– Where: The National Library, Edinburgh

– What: Quiet sign

– Copy: “Quiet Please. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”

4. Heavy Rough

– Where: Carlton Hill

– What: Sign in heavy rough at an iconic location

– Copy: “Very heavy rough, recommended unplayable lie. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”

5. Water Hazard

– Where: The Water of Leith Walkway

– What: Water Hazard sign

– Copy: “95 yards to clear the water. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”

Fife Locations:

Guerrilla Golf Campaign – Day 1 – 13.08.24 – Raymond Davies

1. The 19th Hole

– Where: Loch Leven Castle

– What: Makeshift tee box facing into the loch

– Copy: “Hole 19. 596 yards. Par 5. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO“

2. Chip Shots

– Where: Anstruther Fish Bar

– What: Signpost outside

– Copy: “Chip Shop ➡ Chip Shots. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO“

With less than a week to go until the AIG Women’s Open, the Old Course at St Andrews, renowned as the home of golf, is set to showcase world-class golf.

Lilia Vu, the reigning champion following her standout performance at Walton Heath last year, returns to defend her title. She’ll be joined by Yuka Saso, Amy Yang, and Ayaka Furue, all of whom have secured major victories this season. Leading the British challenge is Charley Hull, who was the runner-up in last year’s Championship and Scotland’s own Gemma Dryburgh. With these top players in action, the AIG Women’s Open is set to be an unforgettable week.

Tickets to the AIG Women’s Open are on sale via aigwomensopen.com. Adult tickets are available from £25, with Saturday tickets including a full day of golf action and entry to the Tom Grennan concert priced at £60.

To encourage children and young people to attend the AIG Women’s Open, The R&A will continue the successful ‘Kids go Free’ programme on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, which provides children under-16-years-old free entry to the Championship when accompanied by a paying adult. Half-price youth tickets are also available on those days for 16-24-year-olds. Junior and youth tickets for Saturday’s golf action and Tom Grennan concert are £20 and £40 respectively.

Hospitality packages are also on general sale, offering an unrivalled way to experience the Championship in which guests can enjoy over ten hours of world-class action and fully inclusive hospitality. Visit www.aigwomensopen.com for further information.

For information on the AIG Women’s Open or to purchase tickets, please visit www.aigwomensopen.com.

First Minister congratulates Scots Olympians

Athletes commended for their performances

Ahead of the closing ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games, First Minister John Swinney has commended the Scottish athletes who will have inspired the next generation with their efforts in Paris.

Scottish competitors taking part individually or in team events secured three gold medals, four silver medals and six bronze medals, contributing to TeamGB’s overall medals tally of 65 medals and highlighting, once again, the world class athletes that Scotland has across a number of disciplines.

In either individual or team events, Duncan Scott, Scott Brash and Sholto Carnegie all won gold.

In either individual or team events, Duncan Scott, Jack Carlin, Josh Kerr and Neah Evans all won silver.

And Beth Potter (two), Rowan McKellar, Nicole Yeargin (two) and Jack Carlin all won bronze.

Several Scots achieved Scottish and British records in their events, including British Records for Josh Kerr in the men’s 1500 metres, Jack Carlin’s silver in the men’s cycling team sprint and a new Scottish record for Keanna MacInnes in her opening heat of the women’s 100 metres butterfly.

Laura Muir also broke her personal best in the 1500 meters final on Friday.

Almost two thirds of the Scottish athletes selected for Team GB are female athletes, including Eilish McColgan who became the first Scottish four-time track and field Olympian. The visibility of such strong role models will inspire young women and girls across the country to participate in sport.

The First Minister said: “Competing on the world stage amongst some of the best sporting talent on the planet is a tremendous honour, and I know the whole nation is with me in congratulating our Scottish athletes who have made an enormous contribution to Team GB’s success at these Games.

“These athletes have all been outstanding in their performances and as ambassadors for their sport, and will inspire many young people to become more active in their lives.

“These games have seen amazing achievements, including Duncan Scott becoming Scotland’s most decorated Olympian, and will be remembered for being the final curtain on the remarkable career of Scotland’s greatest ever sportsman, Andy Murray.

“All of our athletes have excelled themselves and done themselves and their country proud. I hope they are able to celebrate with their friends, family and the public in the coming days.”

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “Scottish athletes have once again delivered on the biggest stage.

“There have been consistently strong performances from Scottish athletes at the highest level for a number of years now across a range of sports, demonstrating that Scotland’s approach to developing a pathway to performance sport is paying off.

“That success is down to years of hard work and commitment from the athletes, their coaches and their wider support teams including Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport and the sportscotland institute of sport.

“Ensuring Scotland’s athletes are ready to compete with the best is a real team effort and we are proud to play our part in that.”

FIFA to support Homeless World Cup after agreement signed in Paris

Homeless World Cup Foundation signs memorandum of understanding with FIFA
FIFA to supply materials and stream upcoming tournaments on FIFA+
50 days to go until the next tournaments are played in Korea Republic

In line with its commitment to improving the lives of people worldwide through football, FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the Homeless World Cup Foundation (HWCF), which organises the annual Homeless World Cup women’s and men’s tournaments which are aimed to support and inspire homeless people to change their lives.

As part of the MoU, FIFA and HWCF have agreed to jointly broadcast the event on FIFA+, FIFA’s streaming platform, while FIFA will also supply material and equipment, including medals and trophies.

The signature of the agreement coincided with the 50 days to go landmark on Friday 2nd August as the next Homeless World Cup will take place in Seoul, Korea Republic from 21 to 28 September 2024 – the first time the competition will be staged in Asia.

“I am delighted that FIFA will be supporting this wonderful tournament and to be partnering with the Homeless World Cup Foundation,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“The Homeless World Cup is a perfect example of how football can bring people together to challenge existing social perceptions and improve people’s lives. FIFA is excited to contribute, because we share the view of the Homeless World Cup Foundation that football is a force for good, and starting from the upcoming edition in Seoul, FIFA will contribute in ensuring that this tournament continues to make a real impact that supports homeless people all across the world.”

Mel Young, Homeless World Cup President said: “We are delighted to sign a partnership agreement today with FIFA which will greatly enhance the delivery of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup.

“The tournament, which starts on 21 September 2024, will see over 500 players from 49 countries across the globe taking part in the 19th edition of the Homeless World Cup at Hanyang University.

“The purpose of the Homeless World Cup is to use football as a way of ending homelessness and 1.2 million people have benefited from the initiative since it was born in 2003.

“Sport has real power, and we have proved that it can be a force for good. FIFA is committed to supporting those in need so a partnership between the Homeless World Cup and FIFA is natural. Longer term the impact will be very significant.”

In addition, FIFA and HWCF will also explore co-branding opportunities, including on the pitch side at the venues, and on the internet including social media platforms.

The Homeless World Cup first took place in Graz, Austria, in 2003 and it has been played annually (except during the COVID-19 pandemic). The tournament is an aspirational goal for individuals seeking a better future, and a powerful way to challenge how people think about homelessness.

The 2024 finals, which features 20 teams in the women’s tournament and 44 in the men’s tournament, was the inspiration for the film “The Beautiful Game”. The Homeless World Cup format features four-a-side matches with rolling substitutions and consist of two halves of seven minutes.

In terms of eligibility for the tournament, homelessness is defined according to the national context of each country. In countries without a legal definition, working definitions by local housing non-governmental organisations or academics are used.

In more good news, in Seoul on Thursday 1st August, Tottenham Hotspur first-team and Italian national players Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie joined the Korean Men’s Seoul 2024 Homeless World Squad in a special meet and greet, having the chance to watch the squad train and both players participated in a Q&A with the Korean team.

The Homeless World Cup Foundation also had the opportunity to educate the Spurs duo on the rules that make the Homeless World Cup so unique and how the tournament impacts the lives of those who need it the most.

SPURS PLAYERS MEET KOREAN MEN’S SEOUL 2024 HOMELESS WORLD CUP SQUAD

Finally, also on Friday 2nd August, FC Bayern Munich welcomed the Korean Homeless World Cup players, the Seoul 2024 Local Organising Committee and the Homeless World Cup Foundation to a special roof-top event in Korea’s capital.

The players had the opportunity to learn from the experienced Bayern coaching team in a special training session and had the exclusive chance to experience the training drills that Bayern’s superstar players face week in week out.

At the event there was a special ceremony, where FC Bayern Munich player Noussair Mazraoui, German, Bayern legend Raimond Aumann and the two vice presidents of FC Bayern Munich, Professor Dr Dieter Mayer and Walter Mennekes joined James McMeekin from the Homeless World Cup Foundation to talk about the magic of the Homeless World Cup.

Dr Deiter Mayer spoke about the values of Germany’s most successful club aligning to the vision and mission of the Homeless World Cup Foundation: “We’re very proud that we as FC Bayern Munich get to meet the Homeless World Cup Foundation and the team of South Korea here.

“For decades, our club has been characterised by the fact that it always looks out for people who are less fortunate. Presidents such as Uli Hoene ß and Franz Beckenbauer embedded the social conscience in the club’s DNA, and our current leadership around Herbert Hainer are continuing this tradition.

“The Homeless World Cup helps to improve the prospects of the people affected. Football unites and creates a feeling of community – and our club wants to offer everyone a home.”