A TEAM from the Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services Unit on the Isle of Wight was one of 31 teams to take part in this year’s national Partnership Trophy five-a-side football tournament in Manchester.

The squad of six comprised residents and staff members from The Salvation Army’s Fellowship House lifehouse in Melville Street, Ryde, and the Priory lifehouse in Newport, took part in the charity’s soccer event.

In their first game, they were beaten 7-1 by Centenary House, Belfast, who went on to win the tournament, and 4-2 by Dundee Manhattan, Scotland.

Their third match kicked-off a winning streak which saw the Islanders bounce back and beat Hull’s Booth Tigerz 3-2.

The team, supported with free ferry travel from Wightlink, went on to beat Sheffield’s Charter Row 3-0, then RM Plus, 3-2, a team of The Salvation Army’s Homeless Services Unit regional managers from across the UK.

However, Logos Lions from Bristol beat them 8-0 to deny them a place in the quarter finals.

Jamie Brenchley, service manager for the Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services Unit on the Isle of Wight said: “The Salvation Army passionately believes in people and in the positive and life-affirming benefits of exercise and taking part in sport.

“This is why we support residents in our lifehouses to rebuild their confidence and regain their life skills by encouraging them to exercise and play sport.”