NEARLY 50 years since Pele broke the hearts of the Wales football team at the World Cup in Sweden, two Newport footballers are once again bidding for international glory.

Martin Ingram, 26, and Donovan Lawrence, 33, have made it into the Wales squad for the Homeless World Cup finals taking place in Gothenberg in August.

The players, from Newport's Pilot Project, are in the squad of eight players for August's four-a-side tournament alongside players from Cardiff and Swansea.

They will compete against 32 teams from around the world, including Peru, Slovakia, and Brazil.

Mr Lawrence said: "I'm looking forward to it because it will give me confidence meeting people from around the world that I wouldn't have had before."

The Newport players are now seeking sponsors to help them fund the trip.

Mr Ingram said: "I am going to play in goal and I think we will beat all the other sides.

"Playing football has given me confidence to achieve what matters, and it's good to give something back.

"I'm so happy I'm in the final side - I can't wait to get there.' The first tournament was held in Graz, Austria, last year, and was hailed an overwhelming success by organisers.

Team manager Kevin Davies said: "The success of last year had a positive effect on the people who took part and the organisers.

"It's an opportunity for homeless people to meet and participate in a very positive experience, and gives people the chance to reflect on homelessness and social exclusion from a new perspective.

"Homeless people have dreams and aspirations like anyone else, and now they can play for their country."

The Pilot Project is an arts- based day centre run by the Newport Action for Single Homeless (NASH).

"The Welsh FA have donated the kits to us - it could have been worn by the actual players. And we have lots of help from so many people, I would like to thank them all," he added.

To make a donation to the Homeless Wales football side call Martin Baggs on 02920 255670.