KELOWNA – He was homeless, struggled with mental health issues and now Kelowna resident James (who prefers not to disclose his last name for privacy reasons) is off to South America to play competitive soccer.
“It’s a soccer tournament for the homeless community of the world. We have over 70 nations competing for the Homeless World Cup so it’s a very exciting experience for those involved,” says James’ soccer coach, Tom Maxwell.
James says he can barely handle the excitement of being chosen to represent Team Canada.
“My knees are weak, you know, my anxiety is pretty high, I’m kind of finding it tough to sleep,” he says.
Six years ago, James was in a similar state to what he describes he’s feeling now. However, back then, it wasn’t from excitement, it was because he was living on the streets, lacking proper medication for his mental health issues and headed for even worse.
“Probably jail or the psych ward, like long-term care, I probably wouldn’t be out here,” says James.
He now has a roof over his head and the medication he needs.
His social worker of six years, Steve Segec, is the reason he’s been able to turn his life around.
“He’s helped me get housing, he’s helped me get to my doctor’s appointments, he’s been here as a friend, he’s helped me get food and clothes,” explains James.
A national organization called Street Soccer Canada scouted James to play in the Homeless World Cup last spring.
Maxwell says the selection isn’t based on skill, it’s more about who will benefit the most.
Street Soccer Canada is covering most of the costs for the trip to Santiago, Chile.
James and Maxwell depart on Friday.
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