Lifehouse residents kick off training for annual football tournament
published on 9 Aug 2021
Lifehouse (hostel) residents from across the north west took part in a football training day in a bid to win a place at The Salvation Army’s annual football tournament for people who are homeless, The Partnership Trophy.
Residents from Manchester, Fleetwood, Accrington and Liverpool showed off their skills at the event held at Goals in Manchester on Tuesday.
Two ‘super teams’ will now go forward to compete in the Partnership Trophy against others from across the UK in the hope of winning coveted trophy. The tournament aims to celebrate the achievements of residents both on and off the pitch.
Carys Whitehouse, the engagement worker who is based at Discovery House in Manchester, who helped organise the day, said: “Sport has a way of bringing people together, as well as boosting the physical and mental health which is an essential part of supporting people to overcome the reasons they became homeless.
“We were so excited to invite people from across our Lifehouses to take part in this training day.
“In previous years, our clients have loved taking part in The Partnership Trophy. With the Manchester team winning the cup last time, we’re hoping to repeat our success at the main event!”
The Salvation Army believes in empowering people to overcome the complex reasons for their homelessness. Often these can involve a number of issues, such as mental ill health, fleeing domestic violence, childhood trauma or an addiction, as well as situations where people have lost their home due to a tenancy ending, the end of a relationship or unemployment.
The football tournament has been held every year for the last 10 years with the exception of 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic. The main event will be held at Goals on Thursday 23 September.
* The Salvation Army is one of the largest homelessness charities operating in the UK, providing more than 3,000 places for people in Lifehouses (supported housing) across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Alongside this many corps (churches) offer drop-ins and personalised support for people in need.
