ONCE in a very blue moon, there are ideas which are either bafflingly bonkers or stunningly brilliant. The notion that the game of association football could help end global homelessness might be both.

It’s an idea which took hold in 2001 and has survived and thrived in the form of the Homeless World Cup. This year, it’s come to Cardiff and kicks off this weekend at the city’s beautiful Bute Park.

Leading the bid to bring the tournament to Wales’ capital city was a local boy, now known almost as much for his altruism but recognisable to many as Tony Blair, Kenneth Williams, Aro in the Twilight Saga and the Prince of Denmark.