A former homeless teenager from the north east follows in Beckham's football footsteps to Milan

A talented teenager from Durham is celebrating after being the only football player from the north east to be selected to represent England in the Homeless World Cup 2009 in Milan.

Daniel Reeves, 17, lives at supported housing provider Stonham’s Stage Two service, in Shotton Colliery, having had to face up to homelessness after leaving school.

After battling through a series of football trials that began in February he will now be part of an eight player squad which will fly out to Milan in September to try to win the cup for England.

Chelsea fan Daniel said: “I’m really excited about going to Milan with the team. Football has given me a real positive focus. Problems at home meant I had to find somewhere to live but thankfully I was introduced to Stonham in October last year and they have been a great help to me.”

Daniel was given words of advice from Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn before his final trial in June. He said: “I received a really nice letter from Niall who gave me some great advice. He told me to enjoy the experience and remember that I was there on merit and to be confident in my own ability.”

Stonham Project Worker, Helen Woodland, has been with Daniel every step of the way on his road to soccer success. She said: “Daniel is a lovely young man and really deserves his success. The whole experience has opened his eyes to a lot of new things and he has got to meet and make new friends from different cultures and backgrounds, all of whom have been in similar difficult situations to Daniel. At the moment we are trying to raise funds for our trip to Milan. This is a real life changing opportunity for Daniel and the other players involved.”

Stage Two has 8 self contained flats and houses young people aged 16-21 years. Stage Two provides advice and assistance on housing, benefits and independent living skills. Young people can access training or education via the variety of agencies that Stage Two works in partnership with.

If you would like to donate to Daniel’s fundraising efforts please call 0191-517 1100 or email Helen.woodland@homegroup.org.uk

To be eligible to play in HWC 2009 players have to have been homeless at some point after September 2008. Last year’s HWC was held in Melbourne, Australia and won by Afghanistan.

The Homeless World Cup starts on September 6 with the final on September 13. For more information visit www.homelessworldcup.org

HWC squads are made of eight male or female players but only four can be on the pitch at any one time.