Over the last 20 years, the Irish Homeless Street Leagues (IHSL), has used the power of sport to transform the lives of men and women nationwide who have found themselves affected by, homelessness, addiction issues, and social exclusion.
To celebrate their 20-year anniversary, the IHSL is hosted an International Soccer Tournament in Tallaght over the weekend of June 8th – 9th. Supported by Amazon Web Servies. (If we can include in bio)
Male and female teams from Spain, England, Poland, Scotland, Finland, Wales, Lithuania, Northern Ireland, Romania and the Republic of Ireland all took part in the tournament.
Aisling O'Reilly spoke with Graham Mellon who played in the tournament and who is currently training for the homeless World Cup.
Graham developed a drinking problem, losing his relationship, custody of his two kids and subsequently became homeless.
Graham has had a tough journey but he knew he had to rebuild his life and re-engage with his children. Graham has always loved football and through his engagement with the Street leagues, which he has credited as a catalyst in his path to recovery.
Football on Off The Ball with William Hill.
