Homeless World Cup of Soccer Kicks Off in Mexico City

We see them on the streets, sleeping rough and living tough but Mexico has given their homeless people a new experience when the city played host to the Homeless World Cup.

This year was the 10th annual World Cup in Mexico City's main plaza, the Zócalo and saw 62 teams, from 48 nations play two, seven minute halves.

Reuters reports more than 500 young people from across the globe are taking part in the competition which encourages homeless people to improve their situation by building positive relationships and an education.

Co-founder Mel Young soccer says it can be a great tool for change.

"We have a dream, that the players playing in Mexico City today change their lives, and get a home and a job. We have a dream, that the rest of the world looks at what's going on here and joins in, so that thousands of people can pick a ball up and change their lives," he said.

Mexico beat South Africa 7-4 in the opening game.

South African player Bongani Mathiso from Capetown said he plans to take the skills he has learnt back to his community and help inspire others.

"I would love to, especially after my experiences that I'm going to observe here, go back to my community and apply it. To help those who have not been there, and to help those who already there in drugs and all the stuff. To see that there is life, even if we have been messed up in life, there is always a second chance in life," he said.

The final game will be played on October 14.

The matches are being broadcast live on the official website of the Homeless World Cup.

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