It was lights, camera, activism at the latest breakfast event of the M4 Business Network, as Newport-born Hollywood star Michael Sheen took to the stage to reveal how returning to his roots inspired him to make campaigning for worthy causes his new leading role.

Joining more than 170 members of the network at the Celtic Manor Resort, the BAFTA and Emmy nominated actor called on Welsh businesses to consider how they can help those in Wales who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.

Sheen was joined on stage by Katie Dalton, director of Cymorth Cymru, for an interview where he explained how his 72-hour The Passion performance in his childhood home of Port Talbot in 2011, opened his eyes to the challenges being faced by Welsh communities today.

The actor is the chairman of this year’s Homeless World Cup, taking a hands-on role in organising the 17th annual tournament which is set to take place in Cardiff’s Bute Park from July 27- August 3.

More than 500 players representing more than 50 countries will travel to Wales to play in the week-long festival of football.

Created to harness the power of sport in transforming the lives of people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion, over one million people worldwide have had their lives positively impacted by the tournament and its programmes since the first tournament in Graz, Austria in 2003.

With homelessness at its worst point in decades across Wales and the UK, the tournament is working to create a legacy which has a real impact on people’s lives long after the final whistle is blown.

Michael Sheen said: “To help bring the Homeless World Cup to Wales this summer is a real dream come true for me. All round the world I’ve seen how football can play a massive part in helping people transform their lives, bring some joy and hope when things seem at their worst or just help to get you through a day.

“Cardiff 2019 gives us a huge opportunity. A unique platform to engage people in the issues surrounding homelessness, issues that affect us all - housing, health, particularly mental health, criminal justice and inequality, just to name a few - and to launch initiatives and projects from that platform that can make an actual difference in the lives of those who need it most.

“I want the Cardiff 2019 Homeless World Cup to be about creating a legacy of change informed by those on the frontlines of these issues and delivered by an entire nation together in a spirit of compassion and co-operation, qualities that we have long held dear and that have proudly defined us as a people.

"Come and join us in Cardiff this summer and let’s make a difference - together.”

Current sponsors of the club include UHY Hacker Young Chartered Accountants, the Development Bank of Wales, University of South Wales, Working Word, Barclays Business, Thomas Carroll, The Celtic Manor, Newport City Council, McAlister & Co Insolvency Practitioners, Rubin Lewis O’Brien, Johnsey Estates, and Gavel Auctioneers.

For more information about the M4 Business Network or to join call 01633 213318 or visit www.m4businessnetwork.org.