Foyer Residents have Copenhagen in their sights!

Axiom Housing Association residents from The Foyer, Tait Close in Peterborough shoot for the stars at the Manchester United Youth Training Ground.

Last Thursday, 24 January, Henry Brown, Brendan McAnnally, Aaron Jones, Marc Flatters, Matthew Porter, Matthew Ward and Christopher Dixon represented Axiom Housing Association at the Cliffe (Manchester United's Youth Football Club) where the Homeless World Cup Trials are being held.

Organised by The Big Issue and Manchester United, The World Cup is a competition that aims to use the power of football for the purposes of social inclusion, to highlight the issue of homelessness and to transform people's lives around the world.

It's a phenomenal mixture of Corporate Social Responsibility and an international sports event that cannot be found anywhere else.

To be eligible, players must have been homeless or vulnerably accommodated at some point since 1 October 2006 and be 16 years of age or older on 1 July 2007.

Phil Estell, Project Manager, at The Foyer said: "The Foyer helps young people gain confidence and independence and assists them in achieving their full potential by offering supported housing and opportunities in a variety of areas including training, work and personal development".

"It aims to break the cycle of no job - no home - no job. I'm really pleased that we had excellent representation from the Foyer, including over 9 residents who went along to support the players. I know this will go a long way to making a difference to their lives".

"We now all wait with bated breath to see if we have got through to the next round".

Darren Palmer added "I went along to support fellow residents to take part in a Foyer activity. It was a great day".

Richard Hall, Chief Executive of Axiom Housing Association, said "For over 77% of players the Homeless Work Cup can change their lives forever. Many find regular employment, come off drugs and alcohol, pursue education, improve their housing and even play for semi-professional and professional football clubs".

"It also changes the attitudes of the public towards homeless people who are treated as heroes during the tournament and acknowledged for their dedication and determination. I wish our Peterborough Foyer Team luck in the coming months, and hope that they make it through the to the finals in Copenhagen".

Terence Mason and Vanessa Patel, Project Workers from the Foyer organised the event locally and would like to thank Marshall's Peugeot of Fengate, Peteborough who kindly gave the Foyer an excellent deal on the price of the mini-bus hire. This made a massive difference to the day and was appreciated by all involved.

You can learn more about the homeless world cup by visiting www.homelessworldcup.com can take too.

Ends

Press release issued: January 30 2007