Irish Team Wins Partnership Plate at Manchester Homeless Tournament

An Irish soccer team, the Houben Hurricanes, achieved a remarkable victory at a competition aimed at supporting homeless services in Manchester. The team, representing the Salvation Army from Dublin, secured the Partnership Plate by defeating The Bulldogs 4-2 amidst a field of 25 teams from both Ireland and the UK.

The tournament took place in Manchester and is backed by prominent figures in football, including Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City. The event, now in its 14th year, focuses on raising awareness about homelessness while fostering community spirit and improving mental health among participants. Stuart Pearce, a former England international, presented the Partnership Plate to the Irish team captain, Gerard Cramer, in a ceremony filled with emotion.

Guardiola expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “It’s so encouraging to witness how football can bring people together and help them overcome tough personal challenges.” His family has been involved with the tournament for the past six years through the Guardiola Sala Foundation, which promotes social causes.

The Houben Hurricanes, whose players range in age from 19 to 55, were described by their coach, Paul Brierton, as a group of “football misfits” with little prior experience. Despite this, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill throughout the tournament. Brierton recalled the moment, saying, “I was determined to prove the critics wrong when it was said we were a bunch of no-hopers. I said: ‘lads go out and enjoy yourselves, and if you win, you win, but the main thing is to bring back memories for yourselves and your families.’”

In addition to their victory, the team’s goalkeeper, MD Moshiur Rahman, received the golden glove award for his exceptional performance. The Irish Salvation Army fielded two other teams in the tournament, further showcasing their commitment to community engagement through sports.

The Houben facility, located in Dublin’s Harold’s Cross, is the largest family homeless hub in Ireland, accommodating 67 families. Overall, the Irish Salvation Army currently supports 119 families across their various services, which include essential programs aimed at promoting long-term independent living. Families receive guidance from keyworkers who assist them with employment and housing workshops.

Brierton acknowledged the vital support from Julie Swann, Houben House Program Manager, and Anthony Byrne, Services Manager, emphasizing their role in the team’s success. The Salvation Army, one of the largest providers of homeless services in Ireland, offers approximately 250,000 bed nights annually across its six centers in Dublin.

As the tournament concluded, the Houben Hurricanes returned home not only with the Partnership Plate but also with a renewed sense of hope and community spirit. For further updates on their initiatives and ongoing support, follow the Salvation Army ROI on Facebook.