A TEAM of Scottish footballers are today jetting off to Poland to take part in the Homeless World Cup.

The players, who are homeless or suffering from addiction or mental health issues, are hoping to bring home silverware from the international competition.

They are being led in their efforts by former Scotland captain and Celtic legend Tom Boyd.

Yesterday the team - which is managed, selected and coached by social enterprise Street Soccer Scotland - took part in their final training session in Glasgow before travelling to the Polish city of Poznan.

They are aiming for a record third win, having claimed the title in Denmark in 2007 and France in 2011.

The international tournament, which has attracted teams from 48 countries from around the world, kicks-off on August 11 and runs until August 18.

David Duke, chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland said: "Football has a very positive impact on the lives of the people we work with every day.

"The guys selected to represent Scotland have been training hard and are determined to do their best to bring the Homeless World Cup back to Scotland for a record third time."

The team is being sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland and the their Scotch Beef logo appears on the front of the team shirts.

This year is the 11th annual competition.

Every year the Homeless World Cup appoints a local group to co-ordinate each national team.

This year, Street Soccer Scotland have been working with the home team.

They hope that those who take part can gain the confidence to turn their lives around.

Chile is the current holder of the Homeless World Cup, with Mexico holding the Women's Homeless World Cup title.

Last year's event was held in Zocalo Square, in Mexico City, and was watched by 168,000 spectators.

linzi.watson@eveningtimes.co.uk