Football not only goal on Brazil trip

Dunedin man Tim Aitken has been selected to represent New Zealand at the Homeless World Cup in Rio de Janeiro next month. Photo by Craig Baxter.

The 34-year-old has been selected to represent New Zealand at the Homeless World Cup, which begins in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next month.

Mr Aitken said he was looking forward to travelling overseas for the first time to a city which was famous for its statue of Christ the Redeemer.

"He will be my good-luck charm."

Mr Aitken, who has been battling alcohol addiction for nearly a decade, said he had not had a drink for a year and credited Christianity, the support of family and friends, and playing football for helping turn his life around.

He joined a social soccer team organised through the Dunedin branch of Pact, and was selected for the Homeless World Cup after playing in a national tournament in September.

Although he has never being homeless, Mr Aitken qualified for the tournament through his use of rehabilitation services.

Mr Aitken, the only Dunedin member in the squad, will be joined by players from Wellington (4), Auckland (1) and Christchurch (2) when the team assembles in Auckland several days before their departure.

Despite the team's pre-tournament ranking of 62 out of the 66 teams, Mr Aitken said the team was hoping to do the country proud. "Who knows, we might come first.'

However, football was not his only motivation.

"I have 10 days to find a wife, then I won't come back."