A team from Blackburn will be competing in an annual football tournament watched by Wales legend John Hartson and supported by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

The Salvation Army’s annual football tournament kicks off next week with three teams from Lancashire taking part.

Salvation Army Lifehouses (hostels) in Blackburn, Accrington and Fleetwood will be taking residents and staff to play in the friendly five-a-side game which will this year be supported by former Celtic and West Ham striker John Hartson.

Teams will be represented by Bramwell House in Blackburn and Crossroads in Accrington.

Now in its 13th year, The Partnership Trophy is run by The Salvation Army and its subsidiary, Salvation Army Homes and will be held in Manchester, on Thursday, September 19.

This year’s football tournament will once again be backed by the Guardiola Sala Foundation (GSF). 

GSF is a humanitarian charity set up by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his family. Pep attended the Partnership Trophy in 2019 and has been involved and a supporter ever since.

Issac, 21, from Blackburn, will be playing in this year’s tournament and used to be a resident at The Salvation Army’s Lifehouse, Bramwell House, before going into Thomas Rehab for drug and alcohol addiction. 

He currently volunteers at The Salvation Army’s homeless drop-in, Phoenix Hub. 

Issac said: “I like watching football but have never really played it, I am competitive though so jumped at the chance to be involved. 

"It’s a good opportunity and allows everyone to feel a part of something, part of a team, and being active really boosts my mental health.

“I like to keep myself busy, so I’m not just sitting with myself and my own thoughts, my mind doesn’t race anymore.

"Life is alright for me now, I’m happy and it’s thanks to The Salvation Army for giving me different opportunities and Thomas Rehab.”

Deputy director of the Homelessness Services Department for The Salvation Army, Nathan Slinn, said: “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.

“Sport is an excellent activity to boost both mental and physical health, build on social skills and make friendships, working together 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.”