A HOMELESS shelter in Warrington will be taking part in a UK-wide football tournament this week.

The Salvation Army will be hosting its annual football tournament this month, with 30 teams from homelessness services across the UK set to take part.

This includes a team made up of residents from James Lee House, on Brick Street, which is a ‘Lifehouse’ that has been a part of Warrington for more than five decades.

James Lee House provides 54 beds for men and women over the age of 18 who are experiencing homelessness in and around the town.

Residents and staff will be taken to participate in the five-a-side game which will be supported by special guest and former football professional, John Hartson.

The Partnership Trophy, which started in 2010, is run by The Salvation Army and its subsidiary, Salvation Army Homes, and brings together teams from around the UK.

This year’s tournament will take place at Goals in Manchester today, Thursday.

“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,” said Debbie Rutter, service manager at James Lee House.

“Sport is an excellent activity to boost both mental and physical health, build on social skills and makes friendships working as a team.

“There are often very complex reasons why people find themselves homeless and this tournament reinforces our ethos that our services provide so much more than just a roof and that, together with our partners we’re committed to ending the cycle of homelessness – and what this event is all about.”