The transformation of George Square in Glasgow into an outdoor football venue is almost complete
The stage is set for the biggest ever Homeless World Cup to take place, to begin this weekend.
In total, 64 teams, representing 52 countries, will take part in the Glasgow event which starts on Sunday and runs until the following Saturday.
Over 500 footballers, each with their own story of homelessness to tell, are currently arriving in the city along with 350 volunteers - including 120 referees – to put on a show for the expected 100,000 spectators over the course of the next week.
And, as our picture shows the venue George Square (pictured) is almost ready having been superbly converted in to a showpiece street football arena made up of three pitches and mini stadia.
All teams, in both men and women’s events, consist of up to eight players, four of whom take to the pitch at any one time.
Make no mistake, this is going to be the most an inspiring event, a resounding success
A pre-tournament draw split them into groups with the Scotland men’s team set to play the first match on Sunday at 1pm, followed by Scotland women versus Norway.
Matches are played in two halves of seven minutes with kick offs throughout the days.
Entry is free every day, and tickets are not required. Each pitch has accessible seating for up to 10 visitors.
Those who can’t make it along will be able to catch the best of the action on television and online.
All games will be shown on the tournament’s YouTube channel and selected live matches including the opening ceremony along with Scotland’s men’s and women’s opening games will be shown on STV.
On STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh, there will be live games every night at 5pm, and a magazine programme hosted by Peter Martin at 6.30pm.
Two highlights programmes are scheduled for the main STV channel on 14 and 17 July and the finals of both men’s and women’s tournaments will be shown live on 16 July from 7pm.
The tournament has been brought to Scotland as part of a three way partnership between the Homeless World Cup Foundation, the Scottish Government, and Glasgow City Council.
Mel Young, president and co-founder of the Homeless World Cup, said: “On the eve of the tournament there is great excitement as we prepare to kick-off the 14th edition of the Homeless World Cup. 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.
“Make no mistake, 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.”
