By VIVIENNE NICOLL

THE final whistle has been blown on a project which began last summer with the Homeless World Cup.

Almost 100 volunteers helped make the sporting event a success and thanks to Lottery funding were able to continue working with Glasgow Life for a further 15 months.

They had all been affected by homelessness and joined the programme to help improve their lives.

During the World Cup competition they worked for more than 3000 hours at over 341 matches helping visitors, players and officials.

They went on to work with Glasgow Life and focused on developing skills and confidence through a range of sport, cultural and learning activities.

A year-long Glasgow Club was also offered to the volunteers to ensure they could improve their fitness and improve their health.

They also took part in education courses and other activities and published their book "Home Ground: New Writing Inspired by the Homeless World Cup in Glasgow."

To mark the end of the 15 month project, they were invited to a special event in the City Halls.

Glasgow Life chairman David McDonald said: "Glasgow has a global reputation for hosting events and I don't think anyone could argue that it isn't well deserved.

"However, even by our own very high standards, the Homeless World Cup was excellent.

"During the event, more than 500 competitors were watched by around 80,000 people in George Square but the crowds weren't really there for a display of extraordinary footballing talent.

"Mostly they were there to directly support people who had come from around the world, each with experience of being homeless.

"Since then, our volunteers have all gone on to take positive steps towards reducing the isolation they may have experienced in the past."

Volunteer Sheila Graham has gone on to work with city project The Invisibles which helps homeless people.

She said: "We go out to share food, drink and warm clothes with people facing homelessness in Glasgow and I really enjoy knowing I am doing something worthwhile."