A five-a-side football competition is providing individuals experiencing homelessness with an opportunity to participate in sport.
The Salvation Army’s Bradford Orchard facility, which offers supported accommodation, will compete in the annual Partnership Trophy event held in Manchester.
Former professional player Danny Murphy has lent his support to the competition.
A support worker named Wayne at the Orchard explained that the tournament unites participants while offering enjoyment and opportunities to build confidence and form connections.
The Orchard service users and employees have participated in joint training sessions and aim to secure the trophy during Thursday’s matches.
According to Wayne, football benefits both psychological and physical wellbeing, and having high-profile figures such as Danny Murphy and Pep Guardiola backing the initiative provides motivation for everyone involved.
This year’s tournament marks the 15th edition of the competition.
The event receives backing from the Guardiola Sala Foundation, the family charity established by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The foundation has supported the tournament for seven years following Pep Guardiola’s attendance at the event in 2019.
Teams representing Lifehouses, supported housing schemes, outreach initiatives, and drop-in services from throughout the United Kingdom compete in the tournament.
The Salvation Army ranks among the UK’s largest homelessness charities, offering 2,800 bed spaces across Lifehouse hostels in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The organisation works with individuals to address the root causes of their homelessness, including trauma, substance addiction, mental health challenges, and broader health and social inequalities.