(© Matteo Mangiarotti/FOTO UP AGENCY) Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup hands the Homeless World Cup Trophy to the new world champions, Ukraine. (Homeless World Cup photography by www.fotoup.net)
Ukraine Crowned Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup Champs
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SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
Homeless World Cup

Ukraine defeated Portugal 5-4 in the final of the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup, the annual international football tournament that gives people who are homeless the opportunity to change their own lives. 48 nations, 500 players from all 5 continents of the world were united in the Arena Civica, Milan, Italy for the 7th Homeless World Cup from 6-13 September 2009.
Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup, closing the competition said, "Congratulations to the players. Your spirit of fair play, courage and determination is a true example to the human race. This is what the united nations can look like. People standing together creating real significant change in their lives. A ball can change the world."
Milan officials handed over to Brazil for the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup in a high energy display of samba and colour with the Brazilians promising to deliver the best tournament ever next year.
77% of players involved in the Homeless World Cup experience a significant life change; no-longer using drugs and alcohol, moving into homes, jobs, education, training, repairing relationships and becoming coaches or players with semi-pro teams. 94% claim to have a renewed motivation for life.
For full results and match reports, visit www.homelessworldcup.org