While most England internationals had a World Cup to forget, this English football player enjoyed the time of his life at the one he was in.
Kareem Leigh turned out for the national side at the Homeless World Cup in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
The 19-year-old, who lives in a Denmark Hill hostel, banged in 24 goals in 12 matches played on the famous Copacabana Beach.
Sadly, like their counterparts at the World Cup, Kareem and his team failed to make the final.
He said: “The competition has woken me up a whole lot. It was one of the best times of my life and I want to have more experiences like that.
“It’s kicked me up the backside – motivated me to try harder and do something with my life and stop wasting time.”
Kareem, pictured, said he was a trainee at West Ham when he was 16, but failed to make the most of his chance.
He said: “I was playing well but they said they wouldn’t give me a scholarship because my attitude was wrong.
“I went to Norwich, but I got injured so I couldn’t sign for them. Then I went to Crystal Palace.
“They really wanted to sign me but that was when I was made homeless so I had loads of other problems in my life.
“My life wasn’t stable enough for me to go training every day.”
In Brazil, teams with three outfield players competed in seven-minute halves.
Kareem’s side was knocked out by Holland in a second group phase of the tournament last month.
Kareem is now playing for Bromley in the Blue Square Bet South league and wants to build on his experience.
He said: “My main focus is to play regularly and to get more match fitness before I try and join a professional club.”
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