A Kelowna man who was homeless and struggled with mental health issues is representing Canada in competitive soccer at the 2014 Homeless World Cup in Chile.

Thirty-two year-old James boarded a plane on Friday at YLW to join seven other Canadian players as they compete in the international event over the next several days. The event features teams from 70 different countries and takes place from October 19th to 26th.



James and his coach Tom Maxwell before flying to Chile. (Photo Credit: Facebook)

James is part of the Kelowna Kodiaks, a team of street-soccer players started by Tom Maxwell and Tiffany Simpson in 2010. The program helps those suffering from addition or mental-health issues know what it’s like to be part of a team and develop skills they can transfer to everyday life. The Kodiaks play against other local soccer teams plus travel to Vancouver a couple of times a year to play in tournaments featuring teams made up of homeless people.

James was selected to play for the Canadian team in Chile after his performance in the Western Canada Street Soccer Championship where the Kodiaks finished in second place.

Friends and fans at YLW for James' sendoff. (Photo Credit: Facebook)

Day two of the tournament opens up on Monday when Canada faces Kyrgyzstan. You can watch the games online at www.homelessworldcup.org.