Sixteen homeless soccer players from Calgary and Toronto recently traveled to Winnipeg to compete for eight spots on Canada's Homeless World Cup team. Those that make the cut will then make their way half way across the world to Cape Town, S.Africa where 48 countries will vie for the International championship title.

The newly founded organization "Street Soccer Canada" will be relying on private donations, and hopes that the team can raise the approximately $25,000 needed for this year's trip to the world finals. Those interested in supporting Team Canada can make donations at any TD Canada Trust. The account name is "Street Soccer Canada."

Critics may argue that money raised for homeless might be better spent in other ways (such as contributing to local shelters or employment programs) but I like the concept here. Social inclusion through sport can be a powerful thing.

(image: streetsoccer.org)