Through My Lens: Homeless World Cup Photography
Every year since 2015, I have had the privilege of being part of the Homeless World Cup photography team – and for the last few years, Lead Photographer. Annually, the tournament is held in a different country. The 2025 event in Oslo was especially meaningful. It marked the 20th edition of this life-changing tournament. What began in 2003 with just a handful of European teams in Graz, Austria, has grown into a global movement that inspires hope and challenges the stigma surrounding homelessness.
A Global Tournament with Purpose
In Oslo this August, the stands around City Hall were filled with supporters cheering for teams from across the globe. Fans waved flags and celebrated their favourite countries across three pitches.
For that week, every player wore not just their country’s jersey – they carried their story. Each one a story of survival, resilience, and rebuilding.
Stories Behind Every Jersey
Through the lens and through the words of the incredibly talented writers, I’ve come to truly understand that homelessness can happen to anyone – and often, it happens fast. Sometimes it’s just a couple of missed paychecks. Other times it’s the heartbreak of losing a loved one, caring for a sick child, or an injury that begins with pain medication and spirals into addiction. It can stem from childhood trauma, or simply being born in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Every story is different – each one raw, honest, and deeply human. And thanks to the compassion and skill of these writers, those stories don’t just inform us – they move us. They remind us how fragile stability can be, and how much strength it takes to find hope and climb back from a place that can feel impossible to escape.
Team Ireland Women celebrate a win – Seoul 2024
And not all homelessness is visible. Some players continue to live in, or have escaped abusive relationships. Having a roof over your head doesn’t always mean having a home. Yet through football, they rediscover confidence, community, and a sense of belonging.
When these players step onto the pitch at the Homeless World Cup, there are no borders, no racism, and no judgment. Just football…. and hope.
Capturing Change Through Homeless World Cup Photography
Our small media team work day and night to share players’ stories during the week’s event and beyond. I shoot around 20,000 images in a single week. Most nights, I edit and upload with little sleep, knowing these photos have to reach newspapers, websites including FIFA’s website, and social media around the world.
Lesley – from Team Australia at the Homeless World Cup in Oslo 2025
Each frame has the power to change how people view homelessness. Players love seeing the photos and reading their stories. Their pride and gratitude make every hour worthwhile.
The impact doesn’t end when the final whistle blows. Players return as referees, coaches, or community leaders. They reconnect with families, find stable work, and inspire others back home. I’ve watched lives transform right in front of my lens.
The Whistle of Hope
For me, this tournament is deeply personal. My late husband, Hary Milas, was a beloved referee here from 2008 to 2019. He inspired countless players, was loved by many coaches.
Hary began the tradition of awarding the “Whistle of Hope” – a small token given to the fairest player in each game. Returning players often show me the whistle he gave them and share stories of how his encouragement changed their lives. It truly warms my heart.
Today, referees continue this ritual in his honour, and those small plastic whistles are treasured as symbols of fairness, respect, and belief.
What Football Teaches Us About Life
The Homeless World Cup has taught me that football can change everything. It’s not just about goals scored, it’s about second chances, restored dignity, and the courage to rise again. All the players are heroes.
And perhaps the greatest lesson of all for me: don’t sweat the little things. Appreciate what you have every day. For many people, a roof over their head, a hot shower, clean running water and healthy food on the table are luxuries.
Across the world, 318 million people are homeless, and 2.8 billion lack adequate housing. So when you see someone who is homeless, remember…. every person has a story.
Sometimes all it takes is a little support, a shared experience, or a moment of kindness to change the course of a life.
And that’s why, year after year, I proudly pick up my camera and return. Because Homeless World Cup photography isn’t just about images – it’s about capturing hope, humanity, and the spirit of change.
Find out what our amazing volunteers and I have to say about the joy and impact of volunteering here
Oh… and if you have Netflix, please check out The Beautiful Game. A feature-length movie inspired by the Homeless World Cup. It captures the same powerful message I see through my lens every year: that football can change lives.
Fast paced action in Mexico City – 2018
