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Some of Coventry’s leading homeless charities and youth groups have battled it out on the football pitch at a special tournament.
The tournament was organised by two Coventry University students – Lucy Nolan and Gabriella Laki – who have been completing a work placement at the Chace Hostel for the homeless in Willenhall.
The pair had already set up a weekly football group at the hostel, which is run by Whitefriars Housing, but wanted to put on something on a larger scale.
Earlier this month seven teams, including those from the Salvation Army, Whitefriars, Fry Housing and the Coventry Foyer, took to the pitches which had been donated by The Alan Higgs Centre.
Lucy said: “Residents at the Chace Hostel had responded well to our weekly football group and we felt a tournament would be a good opportunity for them to engage with other teams, while also promoting health, wellbeing and independence.
“It was fantastic that so many organisations got behind the tournament and supported us on the day. All the teams played well and there was a lot of positive feedback, including players asking when the next one was planned for.”
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Whitefriars donated the tournament trophies as well as boots, shin pads, socks and shirts for the Chace team players. Coventry University’s Phoenix team provided a referee for the day and Coventry City Football Club offered up match tickets for the winning team.
The Coventry Foyer team eventually won through in the final to clinch the title, trophy and prizes.
Diane Ferguson, area services manager of the Chace Hostel, said: “The residents at the hostel have thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in the weekly football clubs put on by Lucy and Gabriella. It has given them a sense of focus and helped them to develop team working skills, as well as offering a chance for healthy exercise.
“I would like to say a big well done to all the teams and especially to the winners. We are delighted to have been able to work alongside so many organisations to put on this fantastic community tournament.”
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