Glasgow chaplain reports from Homeless World Cup

Captain Wayne Duffy is a spiritual director for The Salvation Army’s homelessness service in Glasgow. He’s been enjoying a football carnival as the city plays host to this week’s Homeless World Cup.  

Captain Wayne said: “It has been good to see service users from Salvation Army lifehouses (centres for people overcoming the challenges of homelessness) across the UK involved at George Square, playing and volunteering.   

“It was great to see one of our service users from William Hunter House helping out the Switzerland team by playing for them. Well done Steven Kelly.  

“On Tuesday, service user William McGeouch from Burnbank Gardens Lifehouse made his debut in goal for Scotland – A proud moment for William and those who were there to support him.  

"We also had Martin Methven from Centenary House in Belfast representing Northern Ireland.  

“It was awe-inspiring to watch the goalkeeper from Indonesia playing excellently in goal, a young man with the bottom part of both legs missing. It was a great performance and a humbling experience for me.  

“During my time at the tournament I have had the privilege of speaking to people from Norway, Holland and South Africa who work for The Salvation Army. I had a good chat with a former drug addict from Norway who told me it’s because of The Salvation Army that he has been in recovery for five years and said miracles do happen. Thank God for transformation. In fact, the Norway team are actually sponsored by The Salvation Army and have the shield logo on their kit.  

“There is a carnival atmosphere at the event and great camaraderie among the players. It has been great to see people genuinely caring for each other and enjoying being part of a global event.   

“I’ve loved every minute so for and it has been a joy to support the players, meet people and share time with our service users who are taking part and those who have come along to watch and support their friends.  

“Many people have spotted my uniform and come to speak to me, and we have been able to share together.”