John McGinn told Scotland’s Homeless World Cup (HWC) players to go further in the tournament than the first team did in the 2024 Euros. 

A few of the country’s HWC players gathered at Hampden Park on Monday, where they received a visit from Scotland’s number seven. 

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

The vice-captain, who watched his team get kicked out of the group stages by Hungary in the Euros, told this year’s HWC cohort: “Just don’t do what we did in the summer.” 

The eight players taking place in this year’s tournament – happening in Seoul, South Korea, later this month - were hand-picked by Street Soccer Scotland. 

David Duke, founder and chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland (and former HWC player), joked about McGinn’s comment with the Glasgow Times. 

He said: “It’s classic John McGinn.

“John is such a good guy though and he is genuinely interested in the players and the tournament. He as well as Andy (Robertson), who is our ambassador.

“The pair of them told the boys we’re proud of you already so just go and enjoy yourselves.” 

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

The players involved in this year’s tournament – who hail from all over the country – are Scott Caldwell, 27 (Glasgow), Tyler Martin, 25 (Dundee), Steven Ganey, 35 (Glasgow), Craig Owens, 36 (Glasgow), goalie Kieran Black, 24 (Livingston), Bawan Jamal, 23 (Glasgow) and Souverain Makoso, 23 (Glasgow)

Another player who like his peers has overcome homelessness and adversity to represent the country is William Bowman, 21, from Springburn. 

William Bowman: Third from the right

William explained how he ended up on the team after going from being kicked out of his parents' home to sofa surfing for quite a long time. 

He said: “It’s really hard when you’re on the streets. 

“When I was sofa surfing, my friend saw me at my lowest during that time and he spoke to his coaches who told me about the HWC and asked if I wanted to be part of it. 

“Being part of the team has brought my anxiety and depression back down and I’m back playing football like I used to.”

William added: “I’m feeling nervous for South Korea, but it will be a really good experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” 

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Joining the talented ballers in the tournament will include the likes of David and team coach, Andy Hook. 

David said: “I’m really excited for the boys to go to South Korea. I know they are going to have moments and experiences outside of the football side that are going to stay with them forever. 

“Some of these guys haven’t even been on a plane before and what a journey to break yourself into it.”

Having been a HWC player himself, David shared some wisdom he passed on to the team. 

He said: “I’ve told them to just enjoy it. We are all on the same team in this game. There are shared experiences and so, there is more than unites us rather than divides us.”
Andy, who has been coaching for between 40 and 50 years, has said watching the boys’ journey continues to be amazing. 

He added: “It’s fantastic seeing all the boys developing over the years and to see them having a positive experience because that’s what it is all about for us. 

“I’ve never been to South Korea so it’ll be a completely different experience for me and the guys, and I know it will be great.” 

To find out more information about Street Soccer Scotland, click HERE