Los Angeles has a homeless population upwards of 200,000 in which 7,000-8,000 are situated in what is know as “the Nickel” or Skid Row. Most people regard that area as tragic, sad and unfortunate. Not us. (Severe sarcasm, thanks) We see that as a watering hole for greatness because we just learned about the next best thing since lingerie football: the Homeless USA Cup.

The Homeless USA Cup¹ is a street soccer tournament held every year to see who will represent the USA in The Homeless World Cup. The tournament is composed of homeless men and women from all around the country.

Different cities will bring teams of eight players to compete in the event. After the tournament, a committee selects 16 players from the tournament. 8 will be chosen to represent the USA and the other 8 will be alternates for Homeless World Cup. The first ever Homeless USA Cup was in 2006. The tournament was held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and New York were all part of the event. In 2007, the Organizers held a conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, to talk about expanding the tournament for 2008. In 2008 the tournament will be held in Washington, DC (June 26-29)

Yup. They’re expanding. Which means Los Angeles will be raising trophies in no time. Make no mistake there’ll be a movie soon based on whatever youth rises from the ashes of the leatherbacks and becomes a striker for Real Salt Lake. You totally know you see it coming.

Austin Homeless Soccer Team Heading to National Tournament [KLBJ]
Homeless USA Cup [Wikipedia]
Soccer gives homeless purpose, not homes [With Leather]
Image [Nikol]