FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2023
Contact: press@streetsoccerusa.com
Celebrating the City of Trees in Its Host City of Sacramento
For the First Time in its 20 Year History, a Unique, Local Homeless World Cup Logo is Unveiled
(SACRAMENTO) – With less than a month to go until hundreds of athletes from around the world gather together at California State University, Sacramento, to bring hope, healing, and inspiration to communities around the globe struggling with homelessness, the Homeless World Cup and Street Soccer USA today unveiled the Sacramento 2023 Homeless World Cup logo slated to represent this tournament’s inaugural trip to the United States.
“We are proud to step up and host the Homeless World Cup, but we could never do so without the resolve of the leadership and grassroots community in Sacramento” said Lawrence Cann, Street Soccer USA. “The event logo captures the character and spirit of the people of Sacramento, and memorializes this moment when Sacramento, the city of trees, out-reached all others to host the greatest sport for social impact event in the world. ”
“We are truly excited that the Homeless World Cup will be played in the United States – in Sacramento – for the first time in its 20-year history. From Paris to Cardiff and Melbourne to Cape Town, this world class tournament has been played in some exceptional cities and venues to bring awareness and understanding to this global issue– homelessness,” said Mel Young, Co-Founder and President of the Homeless World Cup Foundation. “With less than a month to go until the world will focus on the fantastic soccer, the outstanding venue in Sacramento State, and our inspirational players and Member Countries from across the globe , we are proud to launch this unique logo and brand identity for Sacramento 2023, as we celebrate the tournament’s 20th year.”
“The Homeless World Cup tournament identity symbolizes progression, inclusion, and unity which were all essential components to this new tournament logo and brand identity for Sacramento 2023,” said Chris Payne, an award-winning football brand designer who created the identity and unique logo. “We also wanted to highlight Sacramento’s proud history as ‘the City of Trees.’ The tree represents strength, growth, opportunity, and deep-rooted connections. The design also features an abstract footballer joyfully running forward with the ball – a representation and focus on the athletes who are participating that through hope and healing, they have the momentum and ability to move forward and connect, no matter the journey that initially led them to be homeless. These athletes are resilient, strong and confident and will take their ball, and journey with them, to help others.”
The new logo, which can be found here, uses green and yellow which can be used interchangeably. “The yellow symbolizes hope while the green represents growth and healing, as well as the city’s abundant trees,” continued Payne. “However, we also will use a ‘carnival of colors’ to represent every nation participating in the Homeless World Cup 2023.”
Hosted at California State University, Sacramento, the Homeless World Cup will take place July 8-15, welcoming athletes from across the world to compete and bring awareness to the global issue of homelessness. It is the first time the event has been hosted in the United States. For content and updates surrounding the competition, audiences can also follow #playformore and #Soccermento23. For more information, please visit 2023homelessworldcup.org.
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Homeless World Cup
The Homeless World Cup is an annual, world-class, international football tournament. Every year, teams of men and women who are homeless or have experienced homelessness get the chance to represent their country during the weeklong street soccer competition.
Street Soccer USA
Street Soccer USA is a national 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty and strengthening community through soccer in more than a dozen U.S. cities. Street Soccer USA holds Cups, builds Street Soccer Parks, and develops programs in the least-served neighborhoods across the country, increasing access to the world’s most popular game and using soccer as a tool for youth and community development