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Matchday Two of the Homeless League took place on Tuesday 27th November where the club highlighted the dangers of Gang Culture and Gun Crime. The day was launched by Anne O’Byrne, Liverpool Labour’s Cabinet member for Housing and Community Safety. (see right) Anne is a keen supporter of Liverpool Homeless Football Club and was very happy to attend the match day to raise awareness of Liverpool City Council’s new Safe Haven initiative.
Representatives from the Community Safety Team were present to talk to players and explain about the Safe Havens. A representative explained: “Safe Havens are locations across the city that provide a feeling of security for threatened and vulnerable people and knowing that there is a secure place nearby they can go will help remove fear.” The power league venue on Whittle Street is a Safe Haven.
Alongside the Community Safety team, players were also able to talk to representatives from the Whitechapel Centre. The Whitechapel Centre is a leading homeless and housing charity for the Liverpool region. They work with people who are sleeping rough, living in hostels or struggling to manage their accommodation. Volunteers at the match day explained to players how they could access some of the many services that the Whitechapel provides. Click here for more information on the Whitechapel.
There was also lots of football on display as over 80 men had turned up to play for their hostels. There are three divisions of six teams each and the games are played under normal 5-a-side rules with 8minute halves. Each team plays each other so they are guaranteed five matches.
In Division One MAS (Men’s Accommodation & Support) continued their incredible start to the season by winning all of their games and preserving their 100% record so far! The other big movers in Division One were Aigburth Drive who won four out of their five fixtures and only narrowly losing to MAS 5-4.
In Division Two there looks to be a three way battle for the title developing between Liverpool YMCA, Homeground & the Ark. Homeground made huge progress by winning four and drawing their fifth game to take them top of the league at the end of Match Day 2! Keep your eyes on this Division for many more twists and turns!
Phoenix Futures are looking very strong and again looked impressive in Division Three. They are four points clear and have won all but one of their games so far this season! Can anyone stop them from securing promotion this year? Well I’m sure the Salvation Army & Shaw Street will have something to say about it and they are level on 12 points each!