The wait is nearly over for Scotland’s Homeless World Cup squad, who kick off the 2023 Homeless World Cup in Sacramento on Saturday.

The life-changing annual tournament makes a welcome return, having been on hold since the outbreak of COVID-19, and harnesses the power of football to bring teams together from across the globe who have all experienced homelessness.

Scotland’s squad is selected by Street Soccer Scotland, who recently became the Scottish’s FA’s official charity partner.

To mark the link-up and ensure the squad was sent off to the United States in style, they were invited to watch Scotland’s men’s national team train at Lesser Hampden during the last international break, with Steve Clarke on hand to give them some words of wisdom ahead of the session.

Steve Clarke meets Scotland's Homeless World Cup squad

Men’s national team captain Andy Robertson – a Street Soccer Scotland ambassador in his own right – then sat down with his counterpart, Dean Lawrie, to discuss the mutual pride at representing their country.

Andy said: “It’s an amazing opportunity for Dean and his team-mates to go to Sacramento and represent Scotland. Whatever age and whatever level, it’s always a massive honour.

“I’ll be keeping an eye on how they get on and I wish them all the best of luck. I’m sure they’ll do well.

“I think it’s great that the Scottish FA have got involved with Street Soccer Scotland.

“I was introduced to their founder and chief executive, David Duke, during lockdown. The bond and relationship developed from there. He told me what he wanted to do, I told him what I wanted to do, and that partnership has grown over the last three years.

“The Scottish FA can help take it to a new level, and help Street Soccer Scotland with the fantastic work they do up and down the country.

“In terms of the Homeless World Cup, I’d say to the guys that playing for Scotland is something that fills me with pride. When you’re younger and dreaming of becoming a footballer, you don’t know what club you’ll play for. The one thing that’s consistent is that desire to play for your country.

“It’s a huge honour and the appeal has never diminished. Every time I pull on the shirt, it’s a feeling you can’t replicate. It’ll be the same for Dean and the squad in Sacramento.”

Dean added: “It’s a really exciting time for us. I’ve been looking forward to it since I got the news that I’d be in the squad.

“Andy’s right. It means a lot whenever you pull that shirt on. We’ll do the best we can, and I know these are memories we’ll keep forever.”

Scotland's Homeless World Cup squad watch training

Homeless World Cup

Scotland have a proud history in the Homeless World Cup, having won the competition in 2007 and 2011.

The latest instalment is the first to take place on North American soil, and runs from Saturday, July 8 to Saturday, July 15 at California State University, Sacramento.

The draw for the first qualifying stage will be made on Friday, July 7 and the games will be streamed live on the Homeless World Cup website.

Street Soccer Scotland oversaw the selection process, with trials that took place across the country, and have provided coaching, support and general guidance to those making the trip.

Click here to learn more about the Homeless World Cup.

Get involved

You can support Scotland's Homeless World Cup squad in a number of ways.

For a limited time only, you can buy the special-edition strip that they'll be wearing in Sacramento - with proceeds going back into Street Soccer Scotland's various programmes across Scotland.

You can also text SCOTLAND to 70480 to make a direct donation of £10. 

Click here for more information on how to support Street Soccer Scotland and to learn more about the amazing work they do.