A TEAM of footballers taken from the most marginalised sections of Oxford will be aiming to give something back next month.

Members of Streets Revolution, Oxford’s homeless football team, are to raise money for the Homeless World Cup.

Many of the club’s 100 members previously had trials for the England team and are hopeful of success this year.

So on June 16, a squad will come together and play 15 hours of non-stop football to raise money for the worldwide competition.

Streets Revolution founder Jon Regler said: “It is amazing to think that England’s best chance to win a World Cup is through the English Homeless Squad.

“Everyone here knows how much playing football has helped turn their lives around.

“So any money we can raise will make sure all the countries and players can get there.”

The Homeless World Cup will see 72 national teams travel to Mexico in October.

Streets Revolution was founded in November 2009 and hosts training and matches for the homeless, unemployed, disabled, ex-offenders and asylum seekers.

It now helps more than 100 people a year in two weekly training sessions and competitions around the region.

Trials for 2011’s national team were held in Oxford last February, with three city players making it through to further stages. None made it into the squad.

Mr Regler said: “The process has changed this year, with players having to fill in a form about what playing football would mean to them.

“So our players will be given much more of a chance.

“They all know exactly why this game has changed their lives and how much the chance to play on a national level would mean.”

Regular players include Darren Lavin, 39, who lived on and off the streets of Oxford for 10 years.

He told the Oxford Mail: “It is every schoolboy’s dream to play football for their country.”

Organisers of the June 16 event are now seeking teams. Entry is £60 per team.

The event will run from 7am until 10pm at the Community Arena at Oxford City Football Club, Marsh Lane, Headington.

To donate visit justgiving.

com/Jon-Regler and to play, contact Mr Regler on 07713 333359 or email jregler1964@googlemail.com