Street soccer program transforms lives of unhoused in Montreal
Canadian Street Soccer Association hosts national forum showcasing how the sport helps people rebuild from addiction and isolation.
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Dozens of community groups, health professionals, and city leaders gathered at l'Université de Montréal on Friday to hear how street soccer is changing lives for marginalized people struggling with addiction, isolation, and homelessness.
The Canadian Street Soccer Association operates across four provinces with over 250 players, creating community through weekly practices, regional tournaments, and international opportunities like the Homeless World Cup. The forum was held ahead of Saturday's national tournament in Anjou.
Hossam Khedr, who founded the organization two years ago, said the impact has been direct. "We've seen a lot of players transitioning from isolation to being included in the community," he noted. "We've seen players getting their own homes now, transitioning to employment, transitioning to education."
For participants, the weekly matches offer something rare on the streets: a safe environment completely separate from substance use. John Jacobson, a regular from Vancouver Island, explained the draw: "Everybody seems to know that I don't drink and I don't use any substances, and then everybody wants to be a part of it. A lot of people on the street are really hungry for that."
Beyond athletics, the CSSA builds an ecosystem of support around players—hands-on training, long-term mentoring, and rehabilitation designed to permanently get people off the streets.