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Mel Young MBE has been selected to receive the accolade from a shortlist of nominations cast by the Edinburgh public. He will receive an engraved Loving Cup from the city’s Lord Provost at a ceremony within the City Chambers later this year.

Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has empowered its citizens to recognise and celebrate individuals who have made a real and lasting impact to the city and brought the capital to national and international attention. Previous recipients include bestselling authors, ground-breaking scientists, human rights activists, and exemplary sportspeople.

Mel Young is President of the which he co-founded in 2003. Under his leadership, the Homeless World Cup has expanded all over the world and now has partners in 70 countries, touching the lives of over 100,000 homeless people every year – more than one million people in the last decade. A movie called “The Beautiful Game” which is based on the Homeless World Cup was released this year and has been a global movie hit.

Mel also co-founded the Big Issue in Scotland in 1993 and was Chair of Sportscotland, the national agency for sport, between 2016 and 2024.

Mel will become the 18th recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award. His handprints will be immortalised on a flagstone in the City Chambers quadrangle alongside those of previous recipients, all of whom have contributed in their own unique way to the Capital. 

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Edinburgh Award Panel, Robert Aldridge said:

I’m delighted that Mel Young MBE has been chosen as the latest recipient of the Edinburgh Award. He deservedly follows in the footsteps of some of the finest individuals associated with our great city.

From The Homeless World Cup, to The Big Issue in Scotland, his passion and dedication to changing lives and advocating for fairness is admirable and inspiring. Through his work he has represented the Capital with pride, dedication, and skill.

I’d also highlight the fantastic work of The Homeless World Cup charity, based in the city, which now has partners in 70 countries, touching the lives of over 100,000 homeless people every year.

I’d like to congratulate Mel on behalf of the city, and I’m sure he will continue to do great things, both here in Edinburgh and beyond.

Homeless Word Cup founder and social entrepreneur, Mel Young MBE said:

I am humbled and honoured to receive this Award. Edinburgh is a beautiful city, and I am proud to be one its citizens. The Homeless World Cup has its international headquarters in Edinburgh and connects all over the globe. I’d like to share this Award with the team of fabulous people in our organisation and to salute the real heroes of our work, the homeless people themselves who change their own lives through their involvement in our operations across the world. Thank you so much for giving me this Award.