It's time to say it loud and clear – it's not a luxury to have a home, it's a human right. It's time we all found room in our hearts to help end homelessness. Joining the Homeless World Cup family is the first step in realising that goal. From the foreword by VAL McDERMID

An estimated 100 million people worldwide are homeless and 1.6 billion live in sub-standard housing. But how can such a simple game like football tackle such a complex problem?

Mel Young and Peter Barr tell the story of the 1.2 million homeless people from 70 countries who have taken part in the Homeless World Cup since it started in 2003.

Home Game describes its profound impact on players, spectators and society at large – and how 'a ball can change the world'