Grab Your Running Shoes, Help Street Soccer NI Tackle Homelessness

Street Soccer NI are seeking support for their vital work tackling homelessness in Northern Ireland by asking volunteers to take part in their Ormeau Park 10K run on 26th October 2019.

All of the funds raised from this event will be used to support Street Soccer NI as they prepare to take the Northern Ireland team to the Homeless World Cup 2020 in Tampere, Finland. Street Soccer NI uses football to transform the lives of people who are homeless or socially disadvantaged. Alongside football training the charity also offer their players support in housing, employability, and other difficulties, helping them towards a brighter future.

Justin McMinn, Co-founder of Street Soccer NI, said ‘We are extremely excited to host this exciting event! Homelessness is such a serious issue in Northern Ireland and we are dedicated to playing our part to tackle it. That’s why we are calling out to local people, businesses and clubs to come together to support our work.

“Whether you walk, jog or run 5K or 10K all support will be hugely appreciated! Grab your running shoes and get involved!”

Taking part in the Homeless World Cup is a life changing experience for any players taking part, all of whom have experienced or are experiencing homelessness. One player who knows the significance of taking part in the Homeless World Cup is Street Soccer NI’s very own ‘Derry girl’ Ruth Boyle

Ruth Said, “I spent most of my teenage years in and out of trouble, and I went to prison. I’m not proud of that and I’m very remorseful for what I’ve done, but in there I decided it was time to change my life.”

After hearing about Street Soccer NI Ruth got involved and was successfully selected to represent Northern Ireland in the Mexico World Cup in 2018

“Mexico was an amazing experience. There were a lot of ups and down, but I learned a lot of new skills, including how to deal with my own emotions as well as other people’s.’’

Since returning from Mexico Ruth has thrived and made great positive changes in her life. Ruth was supported by Street Soccer to get her own house in Belfast, she completed her football coaching qualifications, became a coach with Rosario Football Club and become an ambassador for Dame’s Kelly Holmes Trust where she gets to tell her story to young people.

Street Soccer need volunteers to help support their vital work and change lives like Ruth’s by taking part in the Ormeau Park 10K on 26th October.

Sign up for the event costs £5 and participants are asked to raise any sponsorship they can for the charity. For more information or to sign up visit Eventbrite.com or visit the Street Soccer NI Facebook page. Alternatively you can contact Lianne on 028 9045 8560. For more information about the work of Street Soccer NI please visit streetsoccerni.org

Ruth Boyle, Street Soccer

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