Three purpose-built pitches with spectator seating will be erected in Glasgow’s George Square as the city gets ready to host the 2016 Homeless Football World Cup.

The 14th edition of the tournament will comprise 64 teams representing 51 countries. More than 500 players are due to take part in the tournament, which is being funded by the Scottish government.

Up to 100,000 people are expected to descend on Glasgow to watch the tournament, which takes place between 10 July and 16 July. No tickets are required and entry is free.

The competition is part of the Homeless World Cup Foundation – co-founded by Mel Young – which has supported more than one million homeless people around the world. Players taking part have the opportunity to enter “transformative programmes” so that they can give themselves a chance of a better life.

“What is important for me to stress is that this is significantly more than a football tournament; it’s a real celebration of optimism,” said Young. “We will have 512 players with us, and every single one of them is at some stage of their journey towards a more stable future. Their personal stories are remarkable, often very moving, but they reflect a real sense of hope for social justice.”

The Homeless World Cup first took place in Graz, Austria, in 2003. Scotland (Edinburgh) last hosted the tournament in 2005.

Scottish sports minister Jamie Hepburn said the tournament “teaches us about the power of sport” and its ability to “bring people together and change lives for the better”.

“Every one of the players will have a powerful story,” he added. “Many of them have experienced real hardship, but all are on the path to a more positive future, and it’s inspirational to see the role that sport is playing in their lives.”