Canada kicking Its Way Up The Rankings

Canada will be kicking its way up the rankings this year at the Homeless World Cup in Copenhagen. The competition, skill, play and spirit on the pitch at this year’s tryouts were the best Canada has ever seen. The Canadian National Homeless Street Soccer tryouts were held this past weekend in Toronto with three cities, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal sponsoring teams to come to the tournament. The City of Toronto John Innes Recreation Centre was host to the event where the Toronto homeless shelter soccer league foundation was set two years ago. Toronto lead the way with two teams, East and West, and the return of Mr. Hollywood – Elliot Clow - last years Homeless World Cup MVP goalkeeper - and Devon “I’m everywhere and solid” Snow as well as Hadi Mounshed. Toronto once again backed up their winning record with Toronto West taking the tournament. Calgary’s second year in the national tournament fielded a rock-solid team with returning former player, now coach Adam Vernon, coming to play. The men from the Calgary Drop In did their city proud with their strong defensive play. While it was the first year for the Montreal squad from the Old Brewery Mission the team came with vigor and verve. Montreal and their coaches fought strong and united and spirited their way to overall second place in the tournament. Selections for the Copenhagen bound Canadian National Team were made from all cities and the National Team will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with. The street soccer project and the formation of the National Team each year is a joint partnership between Street Soccer Canada and the City of Toronto’s John Innes recreation Centre.

Homeless World Cup