Leicester City hosts youth charity for football tournament

A charity soccer tournament took place at Leicester City's practice field for young adults who had just finished programs to help them grow personally.

The National Cup for the Street Soccer Academy took place on Friday at Seagrave. Participants, aged between 18 and 30, were either homeless or facing the risk of homelessness.

The event signaled the conclusion of a 10-week program offered by the Street Soccer Foundation in collaboration with various football clubs nationwide. This program emphasizes the importance of having a positive mindset, developing employability skills, and improving football coaching abilities.

Keith Mabbutt explained that he created the organization in 2015 with the goal of using soccer to address the issue of youth homelessness.

Mr. Mabbutt, a former player for Millwall, Gillingham, and Charlton Athletic in his youth, shared that he was inspired to make a difference in the lives of others by using football as a tool for positive change. This motivation stemmed from listening to a radio show discussing the issue of increasing youth homelessness.

Mr. Mabbutt also mentioned that the tournament was a way to show appreciation for all the young individuals who have dedicated themselves to the program, which is run in collaboration with various football clubs' charities and community groups.

The competition had a total of 18 teams participating, including Leicester City, Liverpool, and Derby County.

The teams were divided into three groups, and four moved on to the semi-finals.

The top team from Everton in the Community defeated the second team 3-0 in the championship game to claim victory.

Jack Smithson, who is from Sunderland, received assistance from the foundation when he experienced homelessness. He is now a spokesperson for the organization.

He became a part of the Sunderland Street Soccer team while staying at a hostel, expressing that his time there was "challenging".

"There were obstacles," Mr. Smithson stated. "But everyone encounters obstacles in life and that's what I kept telling myself, to keep pushing ahead and not get stuck in a rut."

It's important to maintain a positive mindset, especially during challenging times, as it can be tempting to revert to negative habits that lead to negative thoughts.

I have practiced training my brain to focus on the positive aspects in any situation. Whenever a negative thought pops up, I make a conscious effort to think of at least three positives that could also be present. This has become a habit for me now.

He has become an ambassador for the Street Soccer Academy and mentioned that the organization has greatly assisted him.

"I have encountered many individuals on their paths and it is wonderful to share my experiences in the hopes that it could serve as a source of inspiration for them," he expressed.

This is a day that I appreciate every day. I am fortunate and I recognize it daily.

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