A REGIONAL football tournament is giving people affected by homelessness the chance to represent England on the world stage.
The Northern Regional Street Soccer Tournament took place last week in Middlesbrough at the newly opened Southlands Community & Sports Hub on Ormesby Road.
Hopes are high that some of the participants could go on to compete in the Homeless World Cup in Mexico.
Chris Cooke, mayor of Middlesbrough, said: "This is such an inspiring event, with players showing just what can be achieved with the right support.
"It’s possible that some of those taking part in today’s tournament could go on to represent their country, and even lift the trophy as World Champions.
"It’s also been a brilliant showcase for the new Southlands Community & Sports Hub which is an amazing addition to this part of Middlesbrough and the wider area."
The tournament is a collaboration between Street Soccer, the MFC Foundation, and Middlesbrough Council.
It also doubles as the northern area trials for England’s Homeless World Cup team.
A spokesperson for Street Soccer said: "Thank you to the Foundation, who have some very special people working for them, Middlesbrough Football Club and Middlesbrough Council for allowing us the opportunity to stage this event here in Middlesbrough.
"We are very grateful at Street Soccer and Team England for what has been done for us."
A total of 120 players from Teesside, Hartlepool, Liverpool, and Scotland took part, all of whom have experienced challenges such as homelessness, addiction, or social exclusion.
About 20 players will be chosen from the Middlesbrough trials and an upcoming London event to form a training squad, which will then be reduced to the final team of eight.
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Last year, four players from the Middlesbrough tournament went on to represent England at the Homeless World Cup in Oslo.
For the first time, the trials were held at the Southlands Centre, which is the newly opened permanent base of the MFC Foundation.
Documentary filmmakers Ellen Goosenberg Kent and David Parks attended the event to follow the journeys of several players for a film with the working title Full Cup.
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