Scottish homeless women prove they have goal power
SCOTLAND’S women celebrated fourth place at The Homeless World Cup which saw Mexico score a double victory.
The Mexican men’s and women’s teams retained their titles in the event in Glasgow that was watched by nearly 100,000 spectators over the course of the tournament and two million people online.
Mexico’s women overcame challengers Kyrgyzstan in a 5-0 thriller to lift the trophy.
The men’s team also put in a powerful performance to see off Brazil 6-1, and keep the silverware.
More than 500 men and women from 52 countries around the world competed in four-a-side matches over several days.
Following the competition, a homeless man representing Northern Ireland in the tournament has revealed that he had contacted his mother for the first time in a year-and-a-half.
Gerard Bannon, 24, from the Falls Road in Belfast, said: “When I became homeless I knew that football helped my mental health issues.
“It controlled my anger and I am representing my country now.
“It has also helped my mum get back into contact with me and to know that I have changed.
“This is going to be the first time we have spoken in a year-and-a half and she has invited me down to see her, down over the border.
“It has helped me get my self-confidence back.”