It’s the second time the Norwegian capital has hosted the tournament on behalf of the Homeless World Cup, the organisation whose 68 member countries around the world support and inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives, and to change perceptions and attitudes towards people who are experiencing homelessness.
Over 500 players representing 48 nations will take part in the tournament and Team Scotland has left nothing to chance in their preparations with a training camp at sportscotland’s National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde.
The centre in Largs has a long history with international football so it was the perfect place for the team to bond and prepare for their debut on the world stage.
Former professional footballer, Derek Ferguson, best known for his stints with Rangers and Hearts, said it was an absolute ‘no brainer’ to get involved with Street Soccer Scotland and their World Cup campaign. Derek was at the training camp as part of the build up to the tournament and was blown away by experience: “This might not be a professional level, but it feels like it with the preparation we have had at Inverclyde. This place is absolutely sensational; the facilities are second to none. 
On the tournament itself, Derek said: “The guys have been training twice a week so we’re well prepared and I’m looking forward to taking them over to Oslo and them giving a good account of themselves. I’ve got to know them pretty well over the last two or three months and I think they’re going to represent the country extremely well.”
Street Soccer Scotland Chief Operating Officer, Gerry Britton, who is a former player, coach, manager and Chief Executive, most recently with Partick Thistle, said: “This has been the ideal preparation for the team as they move towards the World Cup in Oslo this month.
“We are very fortunate to have some really good partners who help us provide opportunities for our players, and sportscotland has been really supportive of us over many years. To bring the squad down to the national training centre that hosts national teams, professional teams from so many sports, but our guys have been treated the exact same way as any other athlete would be, it’s been so inspirational for the staff and players to be part of it.”
Gerry explains how he got involved with Street Soccer Scotland: “This was a perfect opportunity to get involved in an organisation that are looking to make a positive impact for people who potentially haven’t had, never mind a second chance in life, they haven’t had a first chance in life, so we use football as a hook to try and give them a positive destination to change their situation. I’ve loved every minute of being involved.”
Eight players will represent Team Scotland in Oslo: Paul, William, Yusuf, Ali, Mo, Ali, Mo and Haitham.
Ali, originally from Iraq, has found his home in Scotland: “When I first arrived in Scotland I came to Street Soccer Scotland and it was like a gateway for me to know Glasgow and Scotland, and something I’m really passionate about which is football.
“I am so grateful to be here (Inverclyde). It’s such a high-quality level to experience how professional players train. This has given me hope. This is not the last time I will be here - you can play at a high level as professional or whatever you want to do, if you continue doing the right things.
“We are going to do something special (in Oslo). I say that very confidently because I believe the confidence comes from preparation and we are doing that every single day. The way we train, the way we manage the game, the way we manage ourselves after the game. We are really ready.
Ali left Iraq four years ago and is excited to be representing his new home: “I have never felt a sense of belonging like I have felt in Scotland, I am so grateful.”
Edinburgh’s Yusuf’s excitement at being selected for his country is evident from the huge grin on his face: “To represent Scotland is like a dream come true. I’ve watched Scotland since before the 1998 World Cup, John Collins scored a penalty against Brazil and I was ecstatic. I’ve always wanted to score for Scotland since that goal, it’s an absolute dream for me to be in a World Cup just like John Collins was that day.”
“I’m most looking forward to meeting all the other nations like Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, and speak to them about the same language we’ll all be speaking; of football.
On the training camp at Inverclyde, Yusuf said: “I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s amazing. It’s a comforting place as a sportsman and we’ve really connected as sports mates.”
Centre Manager, Barry Fleeting, explains why the national centre was ready to host the Street Soccer Scotland team: “It was important for us to host the Street Soccer Scotland World Cup squad to allow them to best prepare for the World Cup in Oslo. We want them to have the experience the same as other national squads have before they go to a major event. To feel that team bonding, to give them a chance to properly prepare, and an opportunity to use an elite environment that is here for a wide range of sports groups.
“It’s been fantastic to have the squad here, You see the real team bond that they have together, you see the excitement at the opportunity that they are about to face.”
Running alongside the football tournament in Oslo is a series of forums exploring topics and solutions relevant to homelessness.
The tournament runs from 23 to 30 August 2025.
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Street Soccer Scotland Street Soccer Home - Street Soccer
Homeless World Cup Homeless World Cup
Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup — Homeless World Cup
National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde Inverclyde - sportscotland inverclyde national sports training centre
