Homeless footballers represent Leicester in national tournament

A group of footballers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are to play in a five-a-side national tournament at the London Stadium.

The Leicester City in the Community team will compete for the Football For Good Trophy on 19 November.

The team will take on nine other Street Soccer Academy sides.

They are involved in a course run by the Street Soccer Foundation, which combines football coaching, mindset training and skills workshops.

The 18 to 30-year olds taking part in the tournament are homeless, at risk of homelessness or are young people not in education, employment or training.

Megan, who is one of the players representing Leicester City in the Community, said: "Playing at the London Stadium feels unbelievable.

"I've had many bad things happen this year, such as becoming homeless and I have lost my best friend and these things really set me back.

"When I heard about the Street Soccer Academy and joined, I was hardly going out and not really talking to people.

"Now I have more motivation, I'm going out a lot more and becoming more confident within myself."

Sean Syrett, a coach at Leicester City in the Community, said: "The tournament at the London Stadium has been a significant part of the growth for the participants, as they have been engaged with all the sessions learning how to improve their wellbeing, mindset and gain a significant amount of confidence knowing that they will get the opportunity to play on a Premier League pitch, which for some is an opportunity of a lifetime."

Players will take on other academy teams like West Ham United Foundation, Chelsea FC Foundation and Sheffield United Community Foundation.

The tournament coincides with International Football For Good Day, when communities are invited to organise football-related activities where they live.

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