Easter Road provides a home for World Cup organisers

Published on Tuesday 12 May 2009 10:41

THE global headquarters of the Homeless World Cup are to be sited at Easter Road.

The organisation will share the ground's South Stand with the Hibernian Community Foundation Learning Centre.

The annual Homeless World Cup has attracted more than 100,000 players since 2003 and more than 70 per cent have experienced a positive life change such as coming off drugs or alcohol as a result.

The headquarters will be responsible for developing the tournament, triggering national grassroots projects working with people who are homeless all year round, raising media awareness of key issues and fundraising.

Mel Youn, founder and president of the organisation, said: "The Homeless World Cup has demonstrated that football has the potential to change lives. So moving into a football stadium is the right place for us to be. Hibernian FC has a great vision for the community which accords with our mission."

Hibs chief executive Scott Lindsay added: "To have such an inspiring and successful global football social enterprise sharing a building with our own community foundation will bring obvious benefits for both the foundation and the club."