Football crosses all borders. It doesn’t seem to matter who you are or where you come from, people understand football.

I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of people who have come up to me at this year’s event either to congratulate me on the growth of the Homeless World Cup or ask how things are going.

It seems many people followed the progress of last year’s event in Cape Town via the enormous media coverage it received. The idea of homeless people playing the "beautiful game" and changing their lives as a result has really captured people’s imagination.

Because of the success of the event in terms of changing the lives of homeless people and the demand from new countries wanting to participate we are going through a process of rapid growth. The demand is massive and we are simply trying to find more partners to turn our global dream into reality.

But it’s the football which is the drawing power. Who won, asks one person? A gasp when I say it was Russia. What was there secret? Planning and fitness. What about Italy who won twice before? They were just overwhelmed this year.

And Cape Town – what was that like as a venue particularly with the World Cup going there in 2010? It was welcoming and friendly and we had more African nations particapating than ever before. In fact we had more countries than ever at 48.

So it goes on, people are fascinated and want to know more. Sport and football in particular has enormous power and it can make significant change in people’s lives. Those who watch or play football understand this but now other people are being drawn in as well. So much more can be done.

"How do I get to play," half jokes another. Football can be like a magnet and attract people from everywhere.

The ball may be round and beautiful but what’s really magic about it is its potential power to create change. Change is very much on this year particularly at this summit where climate change dominates most of the agenda.

It’s the marrying together of social, environmental and business issues which will provide results. And that’s really exciting.

Despite the apparent ingrained problems in the world there is an air of optimism amongst this year’s delegates. Yes, we can create change in all sectors and
improve the world for everyone. It seems football has a role to play too along with other initiatives -time to kick the ball and change the world in the process.

Mel Young – President and CEO, The Homeless World Cup