The Homeless World Cup is more than just a football tournament. It is a global event that uses the power of sport to transform lives, offering vulnerable individuals the chance to reconnect with society, build confidence, and be part of something extraordinary.

Central to the success of the 2024 tournament in Seoul was the involvement of DRIBL, whose tailored technology allowed organisers to focus less on logistics and more on changing lives.

Patrick Kelly, a long-time volunteer and scoring manager for the Homeless World Cup, spoke highly of DRIBL’s willingness to adapt its platform to meet the unique demands of the tournament.

“DRIBL have been absolutely brilliant. Their flexibility and support in adapting to our unusual format made the tournament much easier to manage,” Patrick said.

Mel Young, Homeless World Cup Foundation President and Co-Founder, reflected on the impact of DRIBL’s involvement:

“Our recent partnership with DRIBL, who provided their excellent platform for the Foundation to use at the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup, further strengthens our position as a major global sporting event. The team at DRIBL were able to take the action and results from Seoul directly to our audiences right across the world to keep across the eight days of football.”

The Homeless World Cup operates under a set of rules and structures that differ significantly from traditional football tournaments. Matches are played in an exciting four-a-side format on smaller pitches, with unique rules designed to promote fairness and attacking football. Teams don’t get knocked out, and rankings are determined without considering goal difference.

Before DRIBL’s involvement, managing the tournament’s complex structure was a time-consuming process involving spreadsheets and manual updates. Patrick recalled the challenges of the old system:

“We used to rely on spreadsheets and other manual systems, which required double- and triple-checking everything. It was cumbersome and prone to errors.”

With DRIBL, the process was significantly streamlined. The platform allowed organisers to manage fixtures, results, and standings in a centralised system, reducing the risk of mistakes and saving valuable time.

“Having a platform where we could enter results quickly and publish them for teams and the public made a huge difference. It was so much easier than what we’d done in the past,” Patrick said.

The Homeless World Cup is not just about football. For the participants, who come from some of the most vulnerable parts of society, it’s a life-changing experience. The tournament provides a unique opportunity to represent their country, travel internationally,and feel part of a community.

“For many players, this is the first time they’ve travelled overseas or been part of something so significant. It gives them a sense of value and shows them that people care about their wellbeing,” Patrick explained.

While the matches are intense and competitive, the atmosphere off the pitch is one of camaraderie and joy. Players from all over the world come together to share stories, dance, and celebrate. Patrick recalled moments where players turned rainy days into impromptu dance parties or used post-match gatherings as opportunities for cultural exchange.

“The celebrations are something else. You’ll see players chanting, dancing, and having the time of their lives. It’s a reminder of how football can bring people together in such a positive way,” he said.

DRIBL’s involvement went beyond simply providing technology. Their team demonstrated a genuine commitment to the values of the Homeless World Cup and a willingness to work alongside organisers to ensure the event ran smoothly.

“The team at DRIBL were incredibly responsive. Anytime I had an issue, they were quick to jump online and help resolve it. Their support was top notch,” Patrick said.

DRIBL’s adaptability was crucial in accommodating the tournament’s unique requirements. Unlike traditional football leagues, where fixtures are planned weeks in advance, the Homeless World Cup involves creating and updating fixtures daily, based on results and the progression of teams.

“The structure of our tournament is very different, but DRIBL were flexible enough to handle it. Being able to quickly publish fixtures and results saved us a lot of time and stress,” Patrick explained.

Mel Young highlighted how DRIBL’s platform brought an unprecedented level of engagement to the tournament:

“Through the DRIBL platform, we were able to share results and allow teams and their supporters the ability to track their nation’s tournament progress. This resulted in much more engagement with people right across the globe—a first for the Homeless World Cup and a partnership we are looking forward to developing ahead of the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup.”

With the 2025 Homeless World Cup set to take place in Oslo, organisers are already planning for an even bigger and better event. Patrick has a vision of the role DRIBL can play in improving the tournament experience for players, organisers, and audiences alike.

“Next year, DRIBL are planning to be on-site, which will be brilliant. There’s always a bit of a learning curve when using a new system, but having their team there in person will make it even smoother,” he said.

The focus for the future will be on enhancing the tournament’s storytelling and public engagement. By providing real-time updates and sharing the human stories behind the matches, organisers hope to raise the profile of the event and its mission to end homelessness.

“If we can communicate what’s happening more effectively—like how a particular game impacts the standings or who’s progressing to the finals—we can generate more interest and support for the tournament and its cause,” Patrick explained.

The partnership between DRIBL and the Homeless World Cup showcases how technology can be a catalyst for change. By reducing administrative burdens and improving operational efficiency, DRIBL has enabled organisers to focus on what truly matters: providing a life-changing experience for players and promoting the message of ending homelessness.

“DRIBL made a massive difference. Their flexibility, professionalism, and willingness to adapt to our needs were incredible. It’s been a pleasure working with them,” Patrick concluded.

With a shared commitment to using football as a force for good, DRIBL and the Homeless World Cup are proving that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand to make a real impact.

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