Last week Comic Relief announced a £50,000 Community Cash Fund for local community groups in Liverpool. The Red Nose Day money will be promoted in The Liverpool ECHO and distributed by the Community Foundation to small organisations who are transforming lives. To launch this fund Les Dennis visited LHFC’s Homeless League.
ECHO executive editor Andrew Campbell said: “We are delighted to be partnering such a great event to help raise cash for good causes in Merseyside. “We would encourage everyone to get involved and have some fun while making the world a better place. We would also appeal to organisations and groups to get in touch – you may be in line for a slice of the £50,000 set aside for Merseyside good causes.” The deadline for applications is 8th March, read more on the: Liverpool Echo
The Homeless League meets every month at the Powerleague Centre in Kirkdale, Liverpool. Last week was the first meeting of 2013 and we were delighted to see so many old and new faces turn up for a day of football and fun. Over 80 men from across Merseyside turned up to represent their homeless agency in a 5-a-side league. The games are refereed and organised by the Liverpool County FA.
Les Dennis admitted that the concept of a football league for homeless people was one that “leapt off the page” when he was looking to visit a comic relief funded project. The local funny man stayed for most of the day, talking to players and staff and he even had a go at playing. Although he sheepishly admitted he thought the goalie let his shot in on purpose!
Talking about homelessness Les Dennis explained; “everyone’s situation is different, but when (these lads) are out on the pitch they’re not feeling sorry for themselves, they want to play hard, win and see their team go up the table”. Les was very impressed with the project and said “It’s great to see so many feel part of a team. I’m full of admiration for the players and everyone associated with Liverpool Homeless Football Club who do a wonderful job.” Listen to the full interview from Liverpool Community Radio Station
Chairman John Finnigan said: “We’re so pleased that Les came down to support the work we’ve been doing. “The funding that we have received has made a big difference to the homeless people we work with allowing us to fund pitch fees, referees and refreshments. “We wouldn’t have been able to do anything without it.”