As famous soccer players around the world prepare for the World Cup in Qatar this November, another bunch of much younger players are getting ready too: the children and teens who will compete in the Street Child World Cup. They might not have Kylian Mbappe’s skills yet, but their achievements will be just as amazing.

This event, to be held in Doha from October 5th to 15th, will feature 27 teams from 24 countries, all made up of youth who have been homeless, or have grown up working in the street, for example collecting cans or selling candies.

The idea is to show both the children, and the world, that they are capable of so much with good support; raise awareness of their situation; encourage more people to help them; and for them to meet each other and learn from each other.

As Andile, who played for South Africa at the first Street Child World Cup in 2010, said: “When people see us by the streets, they say that we are street boys. But when they see us playing football, they say that we are not the street boys – they say we are people like them.”

So far, the Cup has been held three times: alongside the regular World Cup in South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014), and Russia (2018).

Each time, the event’s organizers choose NGOs who are working with “street” children from each country to help them get education, healthcare, and homes. Then each NGO selects players who both love soccer and show strong leadership and kindness. Teams hail from around the world, including from Brazil, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the U.S., the U.K., and Colombia.

Over the years, the Cup has been chock-full of inspiring stories, like Deyna, who as a girl in Bolivia struggled to find a place to play soccer, and today is a university student who has even met with Bolivia’s president, petitioning the government to help street children. Or Sadock, a boy from Tanzania who grew up fighting on the streets, and today is a social worker and soccer coach for young children.

“I want to make a change into people’s lives by telling my story, inspiring them, and showing them that it’s possible to lift other people with nothing in your hand, but something in your head: … a positive mindset,” Sadock said on the SCWC website.

Both this World Cup and the regular one promise to be full of thrilling moments. It's the first time both will be hosted by an Arab country (Qatar), and millions of soccer-lovers across the region and the world will be glued to the screen–or if they are lucky, watching in person!

At Joük, we know the love of soccer and strong adult support can be a game-changer for vulnerable children, so we strongly salute this valuable work! If you know a child who could benefit from a scholarship to our program, contact us here.

The inspiring Street Child World Cup is coming to Qatar