Homeless hostels challenge police in footy fundraiser
published on 19 Apr 2022
Officers from West Midlands Police will join The Salvation Army Lifehouse (homelessness services) in Birmingham on Tuesday 26 April for a friendly game of football to raise funds for The Salvation Army's Ukraine appeal.
The friendly game has been sponsored by West Midlands Police and The Salvation Army players come from Birmingham and Coventry homeless hostels, or ‘Lifehouses’. The organiser and Programme Coordinator at the Lifehouse, Will Neville said:
“All members of the public are invited to this friendly game. We often work with the police to rehabilitate people, trying to address the root causes of their homelessness. Working with partner agencies, we can find ways to help people navigate really difficult journeys away from addiction, debt, childhood trauma and relationship breakdown.
“Homelessness is complex and people often need someone to walk alongside them, where they may not have had any support in the past. Here at The Salvation Army we believe in giving people another chance to experience fullness of life and we offer services and support to enable that”.
Will Neville will be speaking about his own journey through homelessness at the event. Will’s homelessness was caused by addiction issues that he managed to get help with from The Salvation Army in Birmingham.
Police Constable Daniel Hitchmough from West Midlands Police said: “When we were approached by The Salvation Army for a charity game, we jumped at the chance. It’s a great event which supports real people in need.
“Events like this give officers like me a chance to meet with people from other backgrounds in a totally neutral environment. I know that I am looking forward to hearing more remarkable life changing stories like Will's. I believe together we can learn a lot from each other.”
The 11-a-side 90 minute match will kick-off at Tally Ho Conference centre at Edgbaston on Pershore Road at 7pm Tuesday 26 April. An entry fee of £5 is charged on the gate, with entry into a half-time prize draw with tickets to football games donated from West Bromwich Albion FC (WBA) and vouchers from Coventry City FC, as well as hampers. Andy Johnson, previous national player for Wales and WBA will be making the draw.
We are pleased to report that the event raised £300 and the West Midlands Police team won 6-3. The funds will go towards The Salvation Army Ukraine appeal, we would like to thank the West Midlands Police Force for supporting and organising the match at Tally Ho, Birmingham.
