THREE Oxford men have scooped the chance to represent England in the Homeless World Cup.

Darren Lavin, 38, Adrian Bottley, 22, and 17-year-old Sheldon Evans will have further trials with the squad after try-outs in the city last month.

More than 60 teams from 53 nations will converge on Paris for the August 21 to 28 tournament, now in its ninth year.

The contest, backed by UEFA and Nike, aims to empower homeless people through football.

The three will travel to Manchester next week for the next round of trials.

Mr Lavin, who lives and works at the Emmaus Hostel in Cowley Road, said: “I have been playing football most of my life, but the past few years have been very up and down.

“It is every schoolboy’s dream to play football for their country.

“But for me, it’s not about getting into the final but it is about helping all the other lads.

“Some of them really benefit from schemes like this. I’ve been there and I know what it’s like.”

Mr Lavin lived on and off on the streets of Oxford for 10 years, blighted by a “mixture of drink, drugs and some time in prison”.

He said: “But now I have turned my life around. It’s only taken me 30 years.”

Mr Bottley said: “Going to Manchester is a dream – I’m looking forward to having a go and seeing if I can get through to the next round.”

Mr Evans added: “I felt on top of the world.”

The trio travel to Manchester United’s training ground next Friday for the second of five rounds of trials.

The Oxford trials were held with city charity Streets Revolution, which helps homeless and marginalised people through football.

Founder Jon Regler said: “I think the benefit for these players is the opportunity to be part of something bigger.

“When they get together with people from all over the country and the world, they lose that sense of isolation. They can encourage each other to move forward in other parts of their lives.”

Founder Mel Young said: “Due to the increasing impact of this global event we have received more applications than ever before from nations wishing to appear at the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup.

“This is a phenomenal opportunity for France and the city of Paris to unite and show the world the true power that football has to change lives.”