CSF
Street Life participants shine at Carrow Park tournament “The effect they had on me was a big one, so I told them at the Christmas meal that I’ll come down today and watch them win the tournament – and if they did that, I’d take them out for another one!”
Carrow Park was a hive of activity last month, as teams from across south-east England took part in a tournament hosted by the Community Sports Foundation’s Street Life Soccer programme. Special guests Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy and Chief Executive David McNally both came down to offer their support to City’s team, who enjoyed fixtures against representative teams from Arsenal, Chelsea and Southend United.
The promise of another meal with the City shotstopper seemed to spur the team on, and despite an opening defeat, the Canaries rallied to win the tournament, picking up four victories along the way. Above left: John Ruddy presents the Street Life team with their medals. Above: The Canaries take on Arsenal in the decisive fixture Below: Representative teams from Arsenal, Chelsea and Southend United joined City for the tournament.
The tournament, held on Friday 23rd January, was a chance to showcase the successes of CSF’s award-winning programme, which engages homeless, vulnerable and vulnerably housed people through sport. Speaking to Mustard TV, who were covering the event, John Ruddy said: “Unfortunately, these boys have had a tough time for one reason or another. They need someone to take that chance with them and the lads at the Foundation have done that.
Ian Hill, CSF Education Development Officer, said: “The tournament was played in great spirit and with the utmost sportsmanship.” “Many thanks to the Arsenal, Chelsea and Southend teams for joining us today, as well as David and John for taking time out to come and cheer the lads on.” The CSF Street Life programme, which is funded by Big Lottery’s Reaching Communities fund, has helped hundreds of participants since it was launched in 2007. As well as using football as a tool to engage, the programme offers participants the chance to gain qualifications and integrate with new peer groups, all with the aim of boosting employability and social skills. Find out more about the Street Life Soccer programme by contacting Ian Hill on 01603 761 122 or emailing ian.hill@canaries.co.uk.
“They’ve put an educational programme in place to try and help them socially and to help them get a job, and there’s been quite a few success stories. They’re all good lads here, so hopefully there’ll be many more to come.” Having previously met the participants at an event in December, Ruddy treated the group to a Christmas meal. 01603 761122 info@communitysportsfoundation.org.uk Community Sports Foundation, Norwich City FC, Carrow Road, Norwich, NR1 1JE. Registered charity 1088239
www.communitysportsfoundation.org.uk @norwichcityCSF www.facebook.com/communitysportsfoundation
Norwich City v Wolverhampton Wanderers on the ball city 57