The Irish Homeless Street League (IHSL), supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS), marked the celebration of its 20th anniversary with a successful international football tournament on June 8th and 9th.
This milestone event took place at Sean Walsh Astro in Tallaght, bringing together teams from across the globe to compete, connect, and champion the spirit of inclusion and resilience.
The 20th Anniversary International Tournament was a landmark event, which celebrated the journey that many people have been on through the homeless street leagues movement throughout the years.
Male and female teams from 10 countries, including Spain, England, Poland, Scotland, Romania, Northern Ireland, Wales, Finland and the Republic of Ireland, took part in the event, showcasing the global reach and impact of the homeless street football movement.
Pictured from left: Kevin Leavy, Joanne Reynolds, AWS Community Engagement Manager, Comedian John Bishop and Sean Kavanagh, founder of the Irish Homeless Street Leagues
Speaking about AWS’ support of the Irish Homeless Street League, Neil Morris, Country Lead for AWS in Ireland said: “The Irish Homeless Street Leagues is a fantastic initiative that has transformed people’s lives both in Ireland and abroad.
“We are delighted to have played a small part in a local project that has grown into an international tournament over the last 20 years.”
Through this tournament and movement, participants have been given the platform to share their journeys which has highlighted the positive impact sport can have on people who are overcoming adversity.
One such participant who took part in this year’s tournament is Graham Mellon (pictured above), who developed a drinking problem, lost his relationship and custody of his two kids, and subsequently became homeless.
He has always loved football and used this passion as a catalyst in his path to recovery.
He was chosen to represent Ireland at this year’s international tournament.
Speaking about his experience with the Irish Homeless Street Leagues, Graham Mellon said: “The Irish Homeless Street Leagues have been a huge part of my life and I will be forever thankful for the part they played in helping me to turn my life around.
“As a football fan all my life, the IHSL has proved to be a brilliant escape from the difficulties I was experiencing on a daily basis and I’ll never be able to thank them enough the help and support they have provided to me.
“Being able to represent Ireland at the international tournament in Tallaght was a huge honour for me.”