Street Soccer Scotland is hosting an international women’s football tournament in Largs this weekend with the support of sportscotland.
The Street Soccer Nations Cup is returning for its second year, taking place at Barrfields Park, home of Largs Thistle Football Club, with eight teams from six different nations taking part. Three teams from across Scotland will be joined by teams from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Romania and Sweden. Participating teams will be staying at sportscotland’s National Centre Inverclyde over the course of the weekend. 
The Street Soccer Nations Cup offers a life-changing experience for players who are suffering from social isolation and is an opportunity for players from Street Football projects to represent their country in a small-sided tournament.
For many, this experience may be life-changing and will highlight the power that sport has to influence and make tangible, positive change. By hosting this event in Largs, Street Soccer aims to showcase the impact that football can have in communities.
David Duke, CEO of Street Soccer Scotland said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of North Ayrshire Council, as well as sportscotland, who will be providing accommodation for all nations at their state of the art facility on Burnside Road. A big thank you also goes to Largs Thistle, for inviting us to use their fantastic venue, which is home to the West of Scotland Premier Division side.
“The event presents a chance for Street football participants across the continent to proudly represent their nations in an international tournament. This opportunity holds immense potential to transform lives and demonstrate the profound influence and concrete positive changes that sport can bring.
“By bringing this event to North Ayrshire, where our Network Programme will be launching shortly, we hope to showcase the remarkable impact football programmes such as our own can have on communities around the globe. The challenges encountered by our players resonate with countless others worldwide and we firmly believe that by uniting, joining forces, and exchanging these shared experiences, we can foster connections, instill hope, inspire joy, and nurture self-confidence.
Head of Centre at the sportscotland National Centre Inverclyde, Barry Fleeting, said: “We have focussed on how we could support Street Soccer - and we have been working with North Ayrshire Council and Largs Thistle to allow the event to take place in Largs. Everyone has been very supportive, so it is really exciting.
"Street Soccer is a fantastic charity. When they host events in the area, they want to add value to the community and want to look at how they can support people who are affected in the area as well, so it will leave something positive behind."
There will be a community event on Friday from 1pm to 4pm where any can join in a kids’ football tournament with inflatables, live music and food.
The action starts on Saturday with an opening ceremony at 9.30am and the finals day will be on Sunday from 10am with medal presentations around 3.30pm.
All events are free to attend so come along and support the teams.
Find out more
All the info you need is on the dedicated Nations Cup page on the Street Soccer Scotland website
