PAUL Hardman admitted he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the support the Social Inclusion Football League received and had 49,530 reasons to thank everyone for their votes.

The Blackburn-based league - which helps those recovering from mental health and addiction problems - won ITV’s The People’s Project where they received £49,530, money that will secure it’s long term future.

The Social Inclusion Football League was one of five organisations shortlisted in the Granada region and, thanks to a huge public backing, scooped the top prize.

“I am totally overwhelmed,” said Hardman, support coordinator for Creative Support, who help to administer the competition.

“The support we have had has been incredible, not just from people in Blackburn but across East Lancashire and the country.

“It is very humbling to know people understand what we do and this funding will go a long way to securing the future of the league and also allow us to expand to double the number of teams we currently have.”

The league, which currently takes place once a month at Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre with the help of Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, provides an outlet for footballers with variety of mental health and addiction-related issues.

As well as securing its future, the funding will also allow the league to double in size from 14 teams playing in two divisions to 28 teams playing in four divisions.

Funding will also allow a player from each team to attend coaching, referee and ‘peer support’ courses while the aim is to encourage more teams to help run the league.

The north west public have thrown their support behind the idea, which has been heavily promoted at recent Rovers home games, much to the delight of the SIFL’s driving force.

“The support from the public, the football family and our health and social care partners has been overwhelming and we are so grateful,” added Hardman. “I think that people recognise the fact that mental health, substance misuse and homelessness are issues that can affect any one us at any time." I have three beautiful children and if they were to struggle at any time for whatever reason I would want them to have access to a project like this.

The funding will enable the Social Inclusion Football League to continue its work and support more people who need it. Hardman added: “All of us here at the league would like to thank every single person who voted. You have made a positive difference at a time when relentless Government cuts are having devastating effects on local communities.”

While the funding will secure the league as a whole, Hardman said he would love to see local businesses lend their support and fund individual teams.

“It may seem a little cheeky considering we have just won a lot of money but that will be for the league itself but it is worth striking while the iron is hot,” he added. “A lot of the teams don’t have full kits so it would be great to get businesses from around the area to come and support what we are doing and sponsor a team.”

Any business that would like to help can email Paul Hardman, Support Coordinator for Creative Support via blackburn@creativesupport.org.uk

More information on the Social Inclusion Football League can be found via the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust website at www.brfctrust.co.uk.