The eighth edition of the cup, involving 56 participating nations, will take place in a purpose-built stadium on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro, from September 19 to 26.
The trust behind the initiative, Street Football Aotearoa, have selected the team from a network of football training projects run by partner organisations in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Coach Steve Fletcher is currently putting the eight players through their paces at a training camp in Auckland organised by LIFEWISE, an Auckland-based community organisation.
LIFEWISE is committed to finding new ways to solve challenging social issues and providing services to families in need and the homeless, as well as older and disabled people.
OFC has offered training facilities and accommodation at its Mt Smart Stadium headquarters before the team’s departure on Friday while also sponsoring the team uniforms.
General Secretary Tai Nicholas says OFC is proud to assist with the preparations.
“This is an event that helps change lives for the better,” says Nicholas. “It’s about using the power of football to advocate social inclusion and bring hope to those less fortunate. We’re delighted to help the New Zealand team as they get set to take on the world.”
OFC, in association with Street Football Aotearoa and LIFEWISE, invites members of the media to meet New Zealand’s homeless football team on their way to the Homeless World Cup in Brazil.
What: Interview and vision opportunity at training session
When: 1pm-2pm, Thursday 16 September
Who: New Zealand Homeless Football Team, OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas, Street Football Aotearoa, LIFEWISE
Where: Charles J. Dempsey Football Academy, OFC Headquarters, Mt Smart Stadium, 12 Maurice Road, Penrose