Homeless World Cup kicks off in Glasgow with Mexico defending title
More than 50 teams are taking part in the 14th tournament run by the Homeless World Cup Foundation, set up to support and inspire homeless people through the sport.
The Homeless World Cup kicks off in Glasgow today, with Mexico set to defend its title over seven days of football in the city.
More than 50 teams are taking part in the 14th tournament run by the Homeless World Cup Foundation, set up to support and inspire homeless people through the sport.
Players received messages of support from the Duke of Cambridge and Scotland's First Minister ahead of the opening ceremony.
The Scottish men's team will take on Hong Kong later, while the women's team faces Norway on the first day of play.
Around 100 million people are defined as homeless, with a further 1.6 billion lacking adequate housing, according to organisers.
The Duke of Cambridge said: "The Homeless World Cup Foundation is taking a unique approach to this problem, using the universal language of football to tackle the issue.
"Every one of the 512 players in this tournament is homeless. They have each engaged with programmes run by the foundation to deal with some incredible personal challenges to make it here.
"This competition is a celebration of all that they have achieved so far, using football as a means to get back into a more stable life.
"I hope you will join me in extending a very warm welcome to all 52 countries who are competing in this year's event. Good luck to you all.''
Up to 100,000 spectators are expected to take in 416 matches over seven days, with the free-to-watch games being staged in George Square in the heart of the city.
Defending the Homeless World Cup are Mexico, who won in Amsterdam in 2015.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was looking forward to a "spectacular and inspiring'' tournament.
She said: "We know that sport has immense power to give people a purpose, to improve both physical and mental health and to boost people's self-esteem.
"In bringing together competitors from over 50 countries, each with their own story of personal hardship that most of us will never have to tackle, the Homeless World Cup will energise and engage people who, for whatever reason, have become socially excluded.
"For the players, it's an opportunity to develop resilience, achieve personal goals and help prevent repeat homelessness.
"And let's not forget the chance to represent your country on the international stage is a huge honour that for many players, was only ever a distant dream.''
Homeless World Cup president Mel Young said: "We know Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, will provide a fantastic welcome to all of our teams as they prepare to take part in something that will live with them for the rest of their lives.
"This is going to be the most an inspiring event, a resounding success, made possible by players who have dreams, volunteers with heart, and a Scottish public with genuine spirit."