The Supporters Club Partners With Homeless FA

BT Sport’s The Supporters Club has launched a partnership with the Homeless FA, focusing on their Team England and Training Centre programme.

The activity will use football to inspire homeless people to positively change their lives. The initiative will include tie-ups with the Premier League to fund programmes delivered by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Manchester City’s City in the Community.

The announcement, which will see The Supporters Club make a substantial grant to the programme, was unveiled with the help of current and former City goalkeepers – and BT Sport ambassadors – Joe Hart and David James. The keepers were joined by three Homeless FA representatives, two of whom have come through the Homeless FA’s programmes, and will be working as coaches and mentors on this year’s Manchester City Training Centre programme.

The grant from The Supporters Club will be used to roll out the programme across the UK and will involve twelve professional football clubs, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa. Six-week training programmes will be run at each club by professional coaches and will benefit more than 400 people who are or have been homeless. 48 star participants will then be selected to be a part of Team England, and take part in a six-month personal development programme.

Commenting on the initiative, Simon Green, head of BT Sport, said: “The work of the Homeless FA’s Training Centre programme is a vibrant example of how the sport can provide a rich pathway for those experiencing challenges in their lives.

“The programme is proven to increase confidence and physical fitness with a range of pathways that many go on to take – including education, training, employment and perhaps even joining Team England.

“Today’s news typifies the significant good that BT Sport and our viewers are achieving together through The Supporters Club.”

Gareth Parker, head of the Homeless FA, added: “Our Training Centre and Team England programmes give socially excluded adults the empowering opportunity to develop their skills and abilities whilst improving their health and gaining self-respect and confidence.

“The football is important, but it’s what happens off the pitch that matters most.

“So far, more than half of the men and women who have completed Homeless FA programmes go on to achieve more qualifications, with two thirds improving their housing situation, and the same amount gaining employment.”