A FOOTBALL coach who captained Scotland during the Homeless World Cup Final has told how the game helped him get his life back on track.

Robert Hare skippered Scotland in their infamous 4-3 victory during the Homeless World Cup final back in 2011.

Seven years later, the 48-year-old Glaswegian is coaching the men’s team at the 16th competition in Mexico City and his passion for the game and helping those around him is as strong as ever.

It could have been very different for Robert, who he lost his job and suffered bouts of depression which led to him becoming homeless.

Now a full-time employee at Street Soccer Scotland, his life has taken a turn for the better from a dark and bleak period where he tried to kill himself.

He said: “I know what it’s like for the players. I got involved in Street Soccer in 2010.

“I had been homeless for 13 months and I had tried to commit suicide. I lost everything but somehow somebody managed to save my life.  So I know what these boys have come through because I’ve been in those shoes before.

“For me it is about using my experience to pull them through so that they can change their lives for the better. That’s what we all want.

“We have an outstanding bunch of players. They have had a lot of tough times but this can be the catalyst to turn it around. To come here, represent their country in front of thousands is incredible – the boys deserve it.”

From overcoming addiction to family breakdowns and mental health problems, the Scotland players have seen it all, but are fighters, with both men and women’s teams performing well.

David Duke, chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland, a former player, has also been assistant coach and manager and is proud of Robert and the team’s achievements.

He believes the game can bring structure, discipline and hope to players. He said: “It’s a real challenge for the players and there is a lot of learning in terms of being part of a group for a long period of time. It’s often the case when you are homeless or experience mental health issues or addiction problems you lose any sort of structure.

“The players are on a journey and through Street Soccer Scotland we are using football to bring a bit of structure and purpose to their lives.

“Once they have that they can start building new relationships and that’s when they can start moving forward.”