A Largs venue which has been used by some of football's most famous names could become a base for Scotland's Homeless World Cup squad.

Talks have opened between Street Soccer and Inverclyde Sports Centre - graced in the past by such illustrious managers as Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes, as well as many famous players - with a view to staging a Home Nations football tournament for homeless people.

Inverclyde principal Barry Fleeting told the News that positive talks have been taking place about utilising the state-of-the-art Largs complex for a major UK event along similar lines to the Homeless World Cup.

Barry said: "I have just had a discussion with David Duke, who heads Street Soccer, and we have had a discussion about what we can do to best help these teams prepare to go to a Homeless World Cup. 

"Providing an experience at Inverclyde Sports Centre, which has been used by many top Scottish stars in the past, is something that would be very special, and we are exploring that aspect.

"It would be an ideal place, given it has one of the most picturesque surroundings, with Nardini's and the ferry.

"Something we are pursuing is hosting a 'home nations' event at Inverclyde in a World Cup style."

Street Soccer founder David Duke MBE was homeless in 2003, but just six years later he had started Street Soccer Scotland and was rubbing shoulders with footballing luminaries - including Sir Alex Ferguson, who is an ambassador for the organisation.

Street Soccer Scotland uses football inspired training and personal development as a medium to empower people who are affected by social exclusion.

Speaking from personal experience, David said: “The effects of poverty are brutal and devastate communities. Living in this environment means people are faced with a lack of opportunity, which leads to a lack of hope.

"I have experienced this and can only describe it as being locked in a cold and dark room with no doors.

"Waking up every day with a feeling of hopelessness can lead to poor mental health, addiction, crime and in some cases death. 

"That is why we are totally inclusive, respectful, and understanding while offering opportunity to anyone who needs it.

"We do not impose a time limit or any other expectations, only reassurance that we are here to inspire people to be all they can be.

"Street Soccer Scotland are proud national partners of the Homeless World Cup.

"Scotland are one of the most successful nations at the Homeless World Cup lifting the trophy in 2007 and 2011. 

"An inspiring and life changing event for our players, we host an extensive trial period to select our men’s and women’s squad.

"Our teams then come together to train ahead of the yearly tournament before picking up the coveted Street Soccer Scotland jersey."

Former Largs Thistle winger Sean Lawrence once represented Scotland in the Homeless World Cup, opening up the opportunity for him to train with the Celtic first team and met the likes of then manager and captain Neil Lennon and Scott Brown.