Liam Young pictured with Falkirk midfielder Russell Latapy

When I was younger I never really thought about who became homeless.

I thought it was a shame if I saw someone on the streets, but I thought it was their fault.

Now I know it's not always like that. It's nobody's fault really.

Some people just need help. And help is there. What's happening in my life now shows what can happen if you take that help.

After I left home I was in a homeless B&B for 6 months. I was never on the streets and I think I have been lucky as I now have my own place that is home, somewhere where I can build my life.

Not everyone is so lucky but because of the help and support I've had through the charity NCH, the council and others, I feel positive about the future.

It never occurred to me when I was first homeless that I would be going to South Africa to represent Scotland in our Homeless World Cup squad Liam Young

I found out about the football project at Forth Valley Street Sport when I was at Soup Pot, the soup kitchen in Alloa.

I played football at school and in a local team when I was younger and I fancied getting involved.

I thought they'd all be professionals and wasn't sure what chances I'd have. But they're not.

The other players are guys of different ages and girls but they are just like me: playing football to achieve something and make friends.

It's funny but through this football project and the support I've got from people, I have much more confidence now.

It's been good to be with other people who have been homeless too. I've got to know new people and it's really great being involved in something.

The Big Issue in Scotland founder during last year's tournament

Through the project I found out about the Homeless World Cup which is a tournament where homeless people from all over the world play against each other in country teams and I've been selected for the team.

I've had loads of encouragement to learn new things and go for things.

It never occurred to me when I was first homeless that I would be going to South Africa to represent Scotland in our Homeless World Cup squad.

I'm really hopeful about the future. When I come back from South Africa I know there will be lots of opportunities.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, perhaps train to be a coach, but I do know that I'm going forward, not back to my old way of life.

People think that being homeless won't happen to them. But lots of people can be homeless.