Reading homeless shelter football team to compete in Pep Guardiola-backed tournament

A football team from a homeless shelter in Reading is gearing up for an exciting tournament, supported by none other than Pep Guardiola.

The annual football event, organised by The Salvation Army, aims to raise awareness around homelessness and will kick off on September 19.

Thirty teams from Salvation Army homelessness services across the UK will battle it out for the prestigious Partnership Trophy.

Now in its 13th year, this tournament brings together teams from all over the country, representing lifehouses (hostels), supported housing, outreach programmes, and drop-in services. It’s an incredible opportunity for those facing homelessness to come together and be part of something bigger.

Among the teams competing is Willow House from Reading, a lifehouse based on Willow Street. Residents and staff from the shelter will be heading to Manchester’s GOALS arena for some intense five-a-side action.

One of the team members, 52-year-old Gary, has a particularly inspiring story. After spending a year at Willow House, Gary moved to a rehab facility in Loughborough and has been clean for six months. Now in phase three of his rehab programme, he’s living more independently in a shared house—just one example of how sport and support can change lives.