An annual football tournament for people who are homeless will kick off next week seeing teams from around the country compete in a five-a-side competition.

To raise awareness of homelessness and backed by Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola through his charity, Guardiola Sala Foundation (GSF), The Salvation Army’s Partnership Trophy will return for its fourteenth year seeing 28 teams from the church and charity’s homelessness services around the United Kingdom battle for the top spot on Thursday 18th September at GOALS Manchester on Irish Town Way.

The friendly five-a-side competition, with the aim to boost morale and improve positive wellbeing and mental health amongst people experiencing homelessness, is run in partnership with The Salvation Army’s subsidiary, Salvation Army Homes, bringing together football teams from Lifehouses (hostels), supported housing, outreach programmes and drop-in services, together from around the UK.

Special guest, former professional footballer Stuart Pearce, will blow the whistle to start the tournament, cheering players on throughout the day and inspiring the teams to be the best version of themselves that they can be, sharing top tips on how he managed extreme highs and intense lows experienced through his career.

The Salvation Army's 2024 Partnership Trophy was attended by former Welsh professional footballer John Hartson and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker.

placeholder image — The Salvation Army's 2024 Partnership Trophy was attended by former Welsh professional footballer John Hartson and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker.

The annual tournament is one of the many ways that The Salvation Army promotes positive and independent living for its service users, while reinforcing its message that helping people to move on from homelessness is more than just providing a home.

The Salvation Army strongly believes in helping its residents tackle the underlying reasons why they became homeless, such as addiction or mental health problems, to ensure they aren’t trapped in a cycle of rough-sleeping and temporary accommodation.

Nathan Slinn, deputy director of the Homelessness Services Department for The Salvation Army, said: “There is some incredible talent within our Lifehouses and residents sometimes just need the confidence to reach that potential. Our Partnership Trophy celebrates everyone within our homelessness services, acknowledging the journey they are on to be the best version of themselves while recognising the challenges that many have had to overcome.

“Football, and sport in general has the power to change lives; it boosts both mental and physical health, builds on social skills and encourages friendships to be made, showing how powerful working together as a team can be, giving more people a chance and an opportunity to change their life.

“There are often very complex reasons why people find themselves homeless and this tournament reinforces our ethos that our services provide so much more than just a roof and that, together with our partners, we’re committed to ending the cycle of homelessness – and what this event is all about.”

Alongside Stuart Pearce, the Partnership Trophy will be supported by the Guardiola Sala Foundation (GSF), a humanitarian charity set up by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his family, who attended the event in 2019 and have been involved and a supporter ever since.

CASE STUDY

Steven 43, is a resident at a Salvation Army Lifehouse. Steven found himself homeless when his father moved into a care home. He said: “Playing football gives me peace of mind, it keeps me motivated and gives a structure to my day. I love the atmosphere and being part of a team. It’s keeping me really active as well and football helps me with my mental health.

“I’ve been to The Partnership Trophy before, I can’t wait for it. I count down the days and I’m first up on the day making sure everyone has a healthy breakfast and no sugar in their tea!”

Nathan added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming players on the day and thrilled that Stuart Pearce is able to join us for the event, sharing how he finished his international career with the reputation of one of England’s most dependable and passionate players. We also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Guardiola Sala Foundation, who have supported us and our residents for a number of years. Well-known industry names giving up their time to support this event really does spur our residents on, showing that they do matter and that the support, and the tools, are there to help them change their lives and embark on a brighter future.”

The Salvation Army holds the event every year in partnership with its subsidiary, Salvation Army Homes, which has been part of The Salvation Army family providing housing services since 1959. With over 4,000 homes, providing people in need of safety, security and opportunities with quality accommodation, Salvation Army Homes, together with the church and charity, help people on their journey of personal transformation and out of homelessness. As with Lifehouses and drop-in services, Salvation Army Homes works with a variety of agencies, local authorities and specialist partners around the United Kingdom.

The Salvation Army is one of the largest homelessness charities operating in the UK, providing more than 3,000 places for people in Lifehouses (hostels) across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.