England defender and Manchester City star John Stones and former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton OBE cheered on players at The Salvation Army’s annual five-a-side football tournament for people who are homeless, which included a team from Reading.

Competing to win The Partnership Trophy, Willow House Lifehouse (supported accommodation), were one of 28 teams from Salvation Army homelessness services across the UK.

Peter Shilton, who enjoyed a 30-year career as a footballer and is the England team’s most-capped player, spent time cheering on the teams and gave a moving speech about his own history tackling a gambling addiction. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed taking part in The Partnership Trophy, it’s a great event and the people were very friendly and responsive, it’s competitive with the right sort of spirit.

“I also shared with the players my own battles with addiction. My message is with the right help you can beat addiction, but you need to ask for help. Playing as much sport as you can and positive thinking is also key, I think you could that with the players today.

“Thank you to The Salvation Army, it is one of those organisations that has been there forever and we need them.” 

The tournament was also 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. They generously provided custom-designed t-shirts for all players, as well as caps and footballs, covered costs for those travelling long distances and made it possible for each player to have a reusable water bottle. 

Pep said: “Football, fun and solidarity. This is an extraordinary tournament. The Salvation Army are doing an amazing job - they are heroes.  

“Congratulations to all the teams that took part. I wish everyone all the best for the future.”   

The Partnership Trophy, which is run by The Salvation Army and its subsidiary, housing association SAHA, celebrates the achievements of players on and off the pitch and how far they have come as they move on from homelessness as well as highlighting the importance of sport for improving physical and mental health. 

The tournament, now in its twelfth year, was held at Goals in Manchester on Thursday, September 28, and the trophy was presented by Peter Shilton, to the winning team which was from The Salvation Army’s Ty Gobaith Lifehouse in Cardiff.