A World Cup of Their Own

As a part time resident of College Park, MD I am no stranger to crime and homelessness. The everyday sight of these ill-fated nomads has become all to familiar to any urban environment. For various circumstances, unfortunate men, women, and children go homeless every year all over the world. Fortunately, a ray of light has recently illuminated the lives of homeless all over the world: The Homeless World Cup. With eleven participating cities in the United States, the turnout for the USA World Cup in Washington DC on June 28, 2008 was enormous. To start the tournament off on the right foot, Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, invited all participating 95 players over to watch a documentary on homeless soccer titled "Kicking It". The documentary covers the lives of players all over the world who are overcoming their misgivings to focus on a common goal, winning the Homeless World Cup. To some the movie was educational, to others it invoked a sense of prosperity and hope through a sporting event. In a Washington Times interview with star player Ray Isaac he stated he was, "no angel". Ol' Ray, as he is referred to by his teammates, takes his life with him on the field, including a picture of his wife and children in his right shinguard, and a pack of cigarettes in his left. The winning team of the USA Cup is invited this year to Melbourne, Australia for the Homeless World Cup to take on the toughest competitors around the world.