Interview Q & A David Duke
Posted by Scotland - 15/07/2009
Interview session with David Duke, CEO of Street Soccer Scotland and Manager Of Scotland's Homeless World Cup Team
Q&A with David Duke
Q - What is the Homeless World Cup in your own words – what does it stand for and what do the players involved get out of participating in it?
A - The Homeless World Cup provides players with opportunity. An opportunity to play football, an opportunity to make new friends, an opportunity to build self esteem and confidence, to represent their country and make positive change in their lives. The players gain a lot of happiness and pride and most find new motivation in life.
Q - You stated in an interview previously that the Homeless World Cup and football in general, has helped turn your own life around – in what way?
A - Due to unforeseen circumstances I became homeless. Before I got involved with HWC, I had no motivation and thought the world was against me. I alienated myself from family and friends and began drinking excessively. Getting back involved in Football and with HWC gave me new motivation and determination to succeed. After playing for my country, I was soon back on track with a new flat and new career beckoning.
Q - Did you get support and advice from anyone when you were undertaking your coaching qualifications and HNC in Community Development? And for any budding coaches what advice would you give them?
A -I was lucky enough to work alongside and be mentored by Ex-Glasgow Rangers Captain Ally Dawson. Currently a Rangers Youth Coach, Ally gave me the right tips and encouragement from the start. Any advice for coaches would be to focus, work hard, plan ahead and be a good listener and encourage as this will help identify the strengths and weakness of players, allowing you to get the best from them.
Q - Scotland has been very successful in the HWC in recent years, and winning it in Denmark, 2007 how did that victory make you feel? Especially since you were the Scotland Head Coach?
A -Obviously it was a great personal achievement having being a player then assistant coach the previous two years. Copenhagen was the first event that I full control of team selection and training etc. Having been involved for 3 years prior I knew what the HWC was all about and how ball retention and team cohesion (As with any game) was key. So we focused on this part of our game and focused a lot on team-building. We will never have the best individual players but with big hearts, the will to win and a strong bond between players, this helped carry us to success. The guys worked really hard from day one and they deserved their day of glory.
Q - The HWC has helped shape the lives of many of its participants even after the tournament has ended. After the 2005 World Cup, HWC state that 77% of those who took part changed their lives for the better – obtaining jobs, entering education or training, getting off drugs & alcohol, finding new homes and renewing relationships with their families. How does a game of football do all this? And it can’t be always be a ‘fairy-tale’ ending for everyone who takes part can it?
A - Football is a great way to unite people and bring people from very different background together as equals. When players become involved they experience an increase in self-belief and confidence they then use this in other parts of their live. Obviously not everyone will receive the maximum impact as the figures show, but the amount of people who do see positive change is impressive and if we all do our bit to help then hopefully we create a solution.
Q - Travelling to destinations such as South Africa, Australia and Denmark takes a lot of money, especially with a football team – how do you raise funds and who has been the biggest donators in the past?
A - In recent years, we have received most of the funds thanks to the Scottish Government. We also gain revenue through shirt sponsorship and small donations.
Q - Given your success in winning the Homeless World Cup with Scotland – could you give any pointers to George Burley and the Scottish National side and what would they be?
A - Mmmm? I’m sure George doesn’t need any pointers from me although like us he will have rely on passion rather than panache. I think we all just have to hope that we can keep key players fit for the qualifiers.
Q - Have you ever thought of taking what you have learned into professional football? Coaching at club level?
A - When you first start doing your coaching badges, you think yeah this is for me, next Jose Mourihno and all that haha. I had a spell with the Falkirk FC development centre which was great but I much prefer this just now, but you never know maybe I could bring Third Lanark up to the SPL
Q - Despite coming a credible 4th in Melbourne last year – for the third time in the HWC history – can Scotland once again lift the HWC trophy in Milan this September?
A -That question…… Well we have as good a chance as any but its like anything, you focus on your first match and try get a win under your belt, then take it from there. To qualify from the group stage would be great and is always our main aim (On the football side). Lady Luck will always play her part.
Q - Who will be your main opponents?
A - Well the most obvious is the Auld Enemy as they always bring a strong team ‘to win it!’ although we have only met once since HWC started – (When we won on penalties in the QF after drawing 7-7 in regular time). Italy (Hosts), Brazil, Portugal, Poland and current top seeds Russia always challenge for honours but there has been a real surge from African teams in recent years so don’t be surprised if it was an African win in Milan.
Q - Within Team Scotland, you will have men and women who have gone through a lot in their lives, from drug & alcohol abuse to being homeless and other issues. What does Team Scotland do for them before, during and after tournaments?
A - The Scottish HWC squad is selected, coached and mentored by Street Soccer (Scotland). SSS is a social enterprise which uses football to develop positive change and outcomes to a range of socially disadvantaged adults and young people. We work closely with the group of players and provide personal development plan to suit each player which could include Housing support, Volunteering, Life and Emotion Management, Training and Education and Confidence Building.
Q - You are seen as one of the many ‘success’ stories with the Homeless World Cup – but without the HWC and football where do you think you would have been now?
A - To be honest I don’t know where I would be or what I would be doing. What i do know is that being involved again in Football and especially the HWC opened the door of opportunity and I grabbed this opportunity with both hands (or feet maybe) and focused myself on doing the right things and moving on with my life.
Q - There have been a lot of positives taken from the HWC and what football has done for those participating, but has there been any negatives?
A - Not that I have seen. The only negative is that more people should support the HWC dream which is to end homelessness and poverty. Whether that be volunteering with homeless projects or donating to HWCF, or even to give the unfortunate guy on the street the respect he deserves. We all have to pitch in for the sake of society.
Q - And if you had a platform in front of the whole nation to state your opinions – What would you say to all of us?
A - Get into the Homeless World Cup, I do.
