Selection begins early next year for the England Homeless World Cup squad, ahead of the competition which takes place in Melbourne, Australia next November.

Aiming to use the power of football for the purposes of social inclusion, to highlight the issue of homelessness and to transform people’s lives around the world, the Homeless World Cup uses a format known as Streetsoccer, which is a four-a-side game with a goalkeeper and three outfield players.

With six open and regional trials across various venues in the country, budding footballers over the age of 16 who have been homeless, vulnerably accommodated, been in rehabilitation or are asylum seekers are all eligible to take part in the competition.

After the initial regional selections have been made, there will be monthly training sessions at The Cliff, the facility for Manchester United’s Youth and Community, until the final squad of eight players will be decided in August.

The Big Issue in the North, together with Manchester United Football Club and ‘Kick It Out’ organise and select the England team that travels to compete in the competition.

To apply to take part, click here to download an application and consent form, which must be completed and returned to Colin Moore at 'Kick It Out'.

On the form, please select which of the regional trial dates you would prefer to attend.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to guarantee participation on any particular date but the sooner applications are returned the better.

Applications can be submitted by post, fax or email to:-

Colin Moore, England Homeless World Cup 2008, Kick It Out, 125 Woodhouse Lane, Manchester. M22 9NW

Fax: 0151 707 9180    

Email: colin@kickitout.org

The deadline for applications to be submitted is Wednesday 19 December 2007.

On the day of each of the regional trials, it is asked that players arrive at the venue in plenty of time for the session to begin at 11am. These sessions will last for around three to four hours and will take place on an indoor artificial pitch. Players are asked to wear moulded boots, as metal studs or blades are not permitted in this facility.

The Big Issue in the North is unfortunately unable to provide any assistance towards the cost of travel to and from the venue.

For more details on the competition, please visit www.homelessworldcup.org