STV strike deal to show live matches, highlights and features from the Glasgow tournament
Television viewers in Scotland will be able to watch live matches from the Homeless World Cup for the first time this July.
The charity-run football tournament is being held in Glasgow’s George Square this year and, in a major coup, organisers have reached an agreement with STV which will see matches shown live on the television network’s Glasgow and Edinburgh channels with highlights programmes on STV’s main channel.
Mel Young, co-founder of the Homeless World Cup said the tournament and STV have developed a partnership which will see TV, online and news coverage of the tournament taking it to a new audience.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for the Homeless World Cup,” he said.
“The outcome is that viewers across Scotland will see the power of hope from our amazing tournament, not least featuring plenty of Team Scotland, as well as the best of the action on STV Glasgow, STV Edinburgh and STV, itself.”
Viewers across Scotland will see the power of hope from our amazing tournament
Men and women’s teams from 52 nations will play in the tournament held from 10 to16 July.
Founded in 2001, the Homeless World Cup is recognised worldwide as an event which inspires and empowers the players who have suffered from homelessness to change their own lives.
Up to 100,000 spectators are expected to attend the tournament in Glasgow’s famous main square, which will be converted into a street football venue with three purpose-built pitches with seating.
As well as matches, television coverage will also include interviews and features about participants on and off the field.
Deputy director of channels at STV, Elizabeth Partyka said: “Broadcasting this inspiring and world-renowned event is the perfect opportunity for viewers to join us on STV Edinburgh and STV Glasgow and to experience the expert and versatile content that these channels provide.
“Fans across Scotland will be able to follow every aspect of the tournament live and on catch-up on the STV Player, and our STV News sports team will be reporting on the games on STV, on our website and via the STV News app.”
Meanwhile, more details about an initiative offering formerly homeless people the chance to volunteer at the tournament has been announced.
Glasgow Life, who formed a partnership with the Scottish Government to help bring the tournament to the city, has been awarded a £343,353 Big Lottery Fund grant.
It will be used to recruit and train 200 people to volunteer in a variety of roles on and off the pitch.
Of those volunteering, at last half will have experienced being homeless and all will be given the opportunity to gain new skills and confidence though a post games programme of sports coaching and creative writing.
Councillor Archie Graham, chair of Glasgow Life, said the scheme would be an incredible opportunity for those taking part.
“They will be the heart and soul of the event, providing a warm welcome and smile – but for many, the experience will be much more personal, having experienced homelessness in their own lives,” he said.
“Once the competition in George Square has concluded, our support will continue, with mentors, coaching and pathways to continued physical activity which will boost not only the volunteers’ health, but their wellbeing. I’m delighted and most grateful that, once again, the Big Lottery Fund is supporting this fantastic initiative.”
