The Salvation Army’s football tournament, aimed at tackling homelessness, took place on Thursday 19 September.
The event included participants from various Salvation Army homelessness services and brought together 30 teams from across the UK.
Noteworthy supporters included major footballing names such as Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, City full-back Kyle Walker, and former Welsh footballer John Hartson.
Lieutenant Rachel Baker, trainee service manager at Southwark Young People’s Service, said: “Our annual 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.”
The Southwark Young People’s Service is a hostel for homeless teenagers based in Camberwell, which took residents and staff to compete in the friendly five-a-side tournament.
Organised by The Salvation Army and its subsidiary, Salvation Army Homes, the tournament was held at GOALS in Manchester.
Hartson joined the players, offering football tips, cheering on the teams, and shared his personal journey of overcoming challenges, including a battle with stage four cancer and gambling addiction.
Now in its thirteenth year, The Partnership Trophy brought together teams from hostels, supported housing, outreach programs, and drop-in services across the UK.
The Partnership Trophy is more than just a sporting event—it is a reflection of The Salvation Army’s ongoing mission to promote positive and independent living among its service users.
Sport, particularly football, plays a significant role in boosting both mental and physical health.
It also helps build social skills, foster friendships, and strengthen teamwork, all vital components in helping individuals move forward from homelessness.
For the homeless teenage community in Southwark, the annual tournaments serve as a bastion of hope, encouraging teamwork and friendships at possibly one of the lowest and most uncertain moments in life.
London is one of the most crime ridden cities in the UK with the highest percentage of homelessness then any other city.
The teenagers in Southwark who have participated in the tournament will have received an uplift of a potentially bleak future.
After the tournament, 19-year-old participant Saleh who took part said: “We had a marvellous trip, and the football was amazing.
“Thank you to our coaches who help us a lot – I hope we win the Partnership Trophy next year!”
Frankie Baker, 20, a newly appointed youth work apprentice and coach at Southwark Young People’s Service said: “The coaching staff are so proud of the team.
“They all played well and had loads of fun while we were there.
“As staff we encouraged the team and reminded them that the goal of the day was to have fun.”
This year’s tournament was backed once again by the Guardiola Sala Foundation (GSF), a humanitarian charity founded by the City manager and his family.
Guardiola, who attended the Partnership Trophy in 2019, has remained a key supporter of the initiative ever since.
The event is also sponsored by The Salvation Army’s insurance company, Sagic (Salvation Army General Insurance Corporation), whose profits go towards backing various charitable causes, including this football tournament.
The Salvation Army’s annual tournament is just one of many initiatives designed to help people break the cycle of homelessness.
The church and charity operate more than 3,000 places across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in Lifehouses, offering safety, stability, and opportunities for personal transformation.
Through partnerships with local authorities, agencies, and other specialist organizations, The Salvation Army ensures that individuals experiencing homelessness receive much more than just a roof over their heads, they are supported on a journey toward a more hopeful future.
Featured image credit: The Salvation Army
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