Players from Blackburn joined Premier League star Juan Mata and ex-England footballer Paul Merson at the tenth annual Salvation Army football tournament.

The five-a-side Partnership Trophy tournament held at Goals in Manchester brought together 15 teams from across UK Salvation Army Lifehouses (supported accommodation for people who are homeless) and homelessness services, with the aim to celebrate their achievements on and off the pitch. 

Paul, who was capped 21 times by England and is now a pundit on Sky Sports, spoke about his experiences with addiction and his career, and played in a couple of the matches. 

Spanish midfielder Juan Mata, co-founded Common Goal, which calls on professional footballers to donate one per cent of their salary to football charities around the globe.

Juan and Paul presented trophies to the winning teams Wallace of Campsie House from Glasgow and medals to the runners up Swan Lodge, Sunderland, The Orchard in Bradford and Pickfords. 
Two teams made up of players from Salvation Army Lifehouses Discovery House, Endeavour House and Independence House in Manchester and Bramwell House in Blackburn took part
Jordan, a resident at Bramwell House in Blackburn, said: “I’m a football fan. Today has been great playing in a team together. I want to help support people myself when I can. The Salvation Army has made me feel I’m not on my own through my situation.” 

Paul Merson, said: “It was a great competition with the players showing real team spirit. 
“Many of the players have been or will be still be going through a tough time, so I wish them all the best for the future. I know from my own experience that having people you can turn to is a huge help. The staff and the volunteers at The Salvation Army are doing a wonderful job in supporting them and bringing everyone together for this tournament is a great example of that.” 

Juan Mata attended the event as a guest of Partnership Trophy sponsors the Guardiola Sala Foundation, a humanitarian charity set up by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his family, which also donated items to the players and supported travelling expenses to enable teams to attend from across the UK.

Pep Guardiola, said: “It has been wonderful to support The Partnership Trophy again this year and to witness how sport brings people together.” 

Juan Mata said: “It was a great experience and I enjoyed seeing what The Salvation Army do,and witnessing the power of football to make people happy.” 

Lorrita Johnson, director of The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services, said: 
“The Partnership Trophy is part of a holistic approach which helps residents with their recovery and mental health. It plays a key role in helping them move on from the causes of homelessness, such as addiction, poor mental health or trauma.

“Our thanks go to Paul and Juan Mata for supporting the players and The Salvation Army today, as well as our sponsors The Guardiola Sala Foundation, alongside Puma and Unilever, and Pickfords Removals, the players and staff team that contributed towards a great day.”