Mexico claim Homeless World Cup wins in both men and women's events

The curtain came down on the Homeless World Cup in Glasgow on Saturday, with both the Mexican men and women's teams taking home the silverware and retaining their titles.

More than 50 teams took part in the 14th tournament which has been described as a "wonderful success" by organisers.

The event is run by the Homeless World Cup Foundation, set up to support and inspire homeless people through the sport.

The president and founder of the Homeless World Cup, is Mel Young, who is recognised as one of the world's leading social entrepreneurs.

The Scot co-founded The Big Issue in Scotland in 1993 and has helped transfer her entrepreneurial spirit to football as a method of helping a bigger issue.

Mexico took on Kyrgyzstan in the final of the Women's Homeless World Cup.

Wet conditions proved difficult for the players, but it was Mexico who emerged victorious with a 5-0 win.

The Mexico men were also victorious coming away with a 6-1 win over Brazil to be crowned double winners of the 2016 Homeless World Cup for the second successive year after winning in Amsterdam in 2015.

Up to 100,000 spectators were expected to take in 416 matches over seven days, with the free-to-watch games being staged in George Square in the heart of Glasgow.

A statement released by organisers said: "It's been an amazing seven days in central Glasgow with the focus of the football world on George Square this afternoon for the final competitions in this year's tournament.

"Every match has been a corker, with penalty shoot-outs and cracking goals a-plenty, warm hugs and handshakes and stands packed with fans cheering on their native and adopted teams.

"The pinnacle of the final day, the two Cup competitions, were played out before a packed house. Women's Homeless World Cup holders Mexico overcame challengers Kyrgyzstan to retain the trophy in a 5-0 thriller, while their men's team also put in a powerful performance to see off Brazil, 6-1, and keep the silverware."

Around 100 million people are defined as homeless, with a further 1.6 billion lacking adequate housing, according to organisers.

The event has been recognised far and wide with the likes of the Duke of Cambridge and United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, sending messages of support.

Ahead of the event the Duke of Cambridge said: ''The Homeless World Cup Foundation is taking a unique approach to this problem, using the universal language of football to tackle the issue.

''Every one of the 512 players in this tournament is homeless. They have each engaged with programmes run by the foundation to deal with some incredible personal challenges to make it here.

''This competition is a celebration of all that they have achieved so far, using football as a means to get back into a more stable life."

The next Homeless World Cup will be held in Oslo in the summer of 2017.

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