Here’s how George Square will look when the Homeless World Cup comes to Glasgow in July.
The civic space will be transformed during the international tournament which will see 64 countries compete.
Seating will be set up around three pitches for 3,500 spectators who will watch 48 men’s and 16 women’s sides participate in the event which will be held from July 10 to 16.
It is expected that around 100,000 supporters will attend throughout the tournament, which takes place in Scotland as part of a three way partnership between the Homeless World Cup Foundation and principle funders, the Scottish Government and Glasgow Life.
The Homeless World Cup is a social movement founded in 2001 which uses football to inspire homeless people to change their own lives.
The first annual tournament took place in 2003 and Scotland has won twice, in 2007 and 2011. The last time Scotland hosted the event was in 2005 when it was held in Edinburgh.
Homeless World Cup Co-Founder Mel Young said: “George Square is a unique location to host this year’s Homeless World Cup. Our mission is to bring the tournament to the centre of the cities we visit, because homelessness isn’t something that should be tucked away. We need to talk about it, therefore being here was very important.
“The nature of the site means it’s an interesting build which has involved a real multi-agency approach, particularly with our colleagues at Glasgow Life, but we’re confident that when the wrappers come off for real in July, Glasgow will be amazed – and ready to join a real celebration.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events for VisitScotland, which is managing the Scottish Government’s investment in the Homeless World Cup, said: “The Homeless World Cup is set to be an incredibly important event for Scotland, inviting people, who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience our warm welcome, to the country and generating discussion about the issue of homelessness at all level of society.
“It puts Scotland at the heart of a global movement and will ensure that the eyes of the world centre on Glasgow, which we believe will be the most inspiration place on the planet over the course of the tournament.
“The look and feel of the arena will, of course, have a massive part to play in this, and these artists impressions give a terrific indication of the transformation that George Square will undergo in time for the first kick-off on July 10.”
Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham, added: “The Homeless World Cup will be one of the highlights of a spectacular year of sport in Glasgow. George Square will come alive as thousands of fans cheer on teams from across the globe during what is shaping up to me an inspiring and unmissable festival of football.”
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