Ten Hag shows support at local football tournament
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was in attendance to show his support at an annual football tournament for people who are homeless.
Organised since 2010 by The Salvation Army, a worldwide Christian church and registered charity, the Partnership Trophy is a five-a-side competition which provides an opportunity for teams across the UK to come together for a day of football, celebrating their achievements on and off the pitch.
This year’s competition took part on Thursday and was contested between 20 teams at the Goals football centre in Manchester, where the players were cheered on by Erik and former England captain Terry Butcher.
The event is also supported by the Guardiola Sala Foundation, set up by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his family, and has been attended in previous years by the likes of Guardiola and former Red Juan Mata.
'We have a responsibility to help'
Erik ten Hag and former England captain Terry Butcher explain the importance of the Partnership Trophy...
The 2022 competition also saw the refugees and survivors of modern slavery, who receive wide-ranging support at The Salvation Army’s safehouses, taking part.
“Homelessness is a difficult problem in our city and anything I can do to raise awareness by coming to events like this is important. It was great to see everyone playing football together, showing energy, spirit and teamwork to promote wellbeing.”
Assistant director of the homelessness services unit for The Salvation Army, Major Hilarie Watchorn, added: “Our annual Partnership Trophy celebrates those we support through our homelessness services and all that they have overcome and, indeed, the journey that they are still on.
“Today has been a wonderful example of everyone coming together to work together and build on their experiences, whilst boosting mental and physical health as well as social skills.
“We’re thrilled that both Erik ten Hag and Terry Butcher could join us today and that they, along with Guardiola Sala Foundation, have supported us at this year’s event and we send our heartfelt thanks to them all.
“It’s encouraging for our service users to see people giving up their time, not to mention a real boost to their self-esteem and confidence, seeing that they’re on the right path and there is hope for the future.”
For more information on the work that The Salvation Army do, please click here.