️⚽️ 'I always played football from a young age but lost my way. Going back to football has helped me and my family is proud.' 💚 Michael Devlin, from Londonderry, will represent Northern Ireland at the homelesswrldcup
Michael Devlin says getting back into football has been good for him, and has made his family proudA man from Londonderry, who is one of eight representing Northern Ireland at the Homeless World Cup in the United States, has said football changed his life for the good.It operates through a network of more than 70 street football partners around the world.The competition is organised by the Homeless World Cup Foundation charity.
Michael Devlin, who has battled addiction issues in the past, is part of Street Soccer NI and said "it's unbelievable to be selected"..Image caption,"I'm stuck in a hostel in Derry at the moment but getting out to play soccer is everything to me. "Battling drugs led me to the pitch ultimately. I was homeless for a good while and struggled with my mental health."While Michael says the team hopes for "big things" at the tournament, he says "it's being there physically and mentally is what's important".
"I always played football from a young age but lost my way. Going back to football has helped me and my family is proud. "The training is challenging but I get a buzz out of it. We also get help with our mental health and I can't thank everybody enough. We also have gym sessions we can go to which helps give me structure in my life."
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