Mel Young who was recently awarded the prestigious Edinburgh Award, is the co-founder and President of the Homeless World Cup, the global initiative which has improved the lives of more than 1.2 million people in countries all over the world since it was established in 2003.
He believes in the philosophy of a “hand up rather than a hand-out”, which has formed the basis of his practical ventures. As a result, he is recognised as one of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and is a Schwab Fellow of the World Economic Forum. He is a Senior Fellow at Ashoka, the global network of leading social entrepreneurs.
Previously, Mel worked as a journalist and editor with a social conscience. He co-founded multiple publications, including The Big Issue in Scotland. He is the former President and Honorary President of the International Network of Street Papers, which he co-founded.
The story of the Homeless World Cup which has recently gained the support of FIFA, has inspired Netflix to create the feature film The Beautiful Game starring the award-winning actor, Bill Nighy.
With a strong belief in the role sport can play in society, he is also the former Chairman of Sportscotland, the national sports agency for Scotland, and a former member of the World Economic Forum Sports Agenda Council.
Mel has written several books, including two about the Homeless World Cup and one on social entrepreneurship.
Throughout his career, Mel has met and talked with many of the world’s leaders. He has a breadth of understanding about different international cultures and is able to talk with authority of many of the world’s challenges. The topics he covers include:
- How organisations can start making a difference in their community and the wider world
- How sport can improve society and change the world
- Inspiring change around you in your teams and organisation
- How to be an inspiring leader
- The importance of purpose, values and self-belief in pursuing goals and ambitions
