IN this Olympic year two homeless men from Oxford are hoping to achieve sporting glory of their own, by playing for England in the Homeless World Cup.

Adrian Bottley, 23, and Robert Day, 20, have been picked from hundreds to try out for the England Homeless Football squad, which will battle against 53 other nations at the Homeless World Cup in Mexico in October.

The trials take place at West Brom’s Hawthorns ground and Old Trafford, home of Manchester United. From there they will be whittled down from 100 to 30 and then a final squad of 18.

Striker Mr Bottley explained: “We tried out at West Brom on Monday and I think I played really well. In fact I scored two goals, which no-one else did.

“Now I’m hoping I can get through the next four trial days and book my place to Mexico.”

Mr Bottley was homeless for five years until last month when he secured a place at the Oxford Night Shelter.

He said: “I grew up in Horspath but landed up on the streets and have slept rough and seen violence.

“When I met Jon Regler from the homeless charity Streets Revolution things started to look up.”

Mr Day, who is a mid-fielder, agreed: “Last year I think I came close to getting a place on the squad, but was injured. This year I think I could get a place and really change my life.

“After seeing how well we did in the Olympics I can think of nothing better than representing the country I love.”

Streets Revolution was founded in 2010 and hosts training and matches for the homeless, unemployed, disabled, ex-offenders and asylum seekers.

It has been helped financially in the past by the Oxfordshire Community Foundation, which is currently steering the Jubilee Fund for Oxfordshire.

The fund was set up by the Oxford Community Foundation to mark the Queen’s Jubilee Year by helping to fund the many charities and good causes struggling in the current economic downturn.

To donate to the Jubilee Fund or to volunteer to fundraise on its behalf, email: jubilee@oxfordshire.org , call 01865 798666, or drop into OCF’s offices at 3 Woodins Way, Oxford. Alternatively, donate by phone by texting JBLE 12 to 70070 with a donation.

To apply for Jubilee Fund cash, visit: oxfordshire.org

For more details on Streets Revolution visit: www.streets revolution.com