At first glance, the Homeless World Cup sounds like a joke. But in fact it's an inspiring event that uses the world's most popular sport to fight a worldwide problem.

In 2001, social entrepreneur Mel Young combined the international language of football with global homelessness to create this socially powered spin-off. Each year since, homeless people from dozens of countries (it was 48 last year) have participated on teams sponsored by nonprofits in their home country.

The annual event has had a significant impact on its participants. In a survey of those who competed in the 2006 edition in Cape Town 92 percent said they have "a new motivation for life” and 44 percent said since getting involved in organized soccer they've "improved their housing situation”

"The Homeless World Cup opened chances for me," said Angus, a Nigerian who became homeless in Austria after being granted asylum there in 2002. "The most important — I have good friends now. I also play football at a club, and I am getting an education. I am learning the German language and attending High School to get a diploma."

The social impacts of this tournament extend beyond its participants. Part of the mission is to improve public perception of the homeless by increasing awareness. In an interview with BBC News, Young says:

I think it just changes everybody. The homeless people involved change because they find inspiration, self-respect and self-esteem from the crowd applauding them. The public also change as they usually have a stereotypical view of what a homeless person is e.g. lives on the street, is dangerous etc.

Some people criticize the Homeless World Cups for using funds that could otherwise be spent building shelters. By daring to be unconventional, however, the organization has created greater benefits. They've not only established 50 local grassroots projects in participating countries, they've also boosted the self-image of a marginalized population.

This fantastic short film shot at the 2007 Homeless World Cup in Copenhagen reveals the enthusiasm of the players and the tournament: