LRCFA Partners with Local Services to Create Homeless Football League

Leicestershire and Rutland County FA has launched a Homeless Football League for adults experiencing homelessness to participate in organised football

The Leicestershire and Rutland County FA is thrilled to announce the official launch of the Homeless Open Opportunities Football (HOOF) League.

This exciting initiative aims to provide adults experiencing homelessness with the opportunity to participate in organised football sessions.

The league's inaugural tournament took place on Wednesday, 30th October 2024, at Holmes Park. Thirty players from six different services across the county came together to enjoy a fantastic afternoon of football, camaraderie, and community spirit.

The HOOF League is a collaborative effort between the County FA, Turning Point, and Falcon Support Services. Turning Point has provided crucial funding support, while the County FA has offered facilities and administrative assistance. Falcon Support Services, with their extensive experience in local homelessness support, coordinated the six participating teams.

A Successful Launch

The first matchday was a resounding success, with players from Falcon Support Services, New Hope, Derby County Community Trust, Carpenters Arms, Action Homeless, and Unity House showcasing their skills and enthusiasm. The atmosphere was electric, filled with wonder goals, tense penalty shootouts, and plenty of laughter.

Matthew Taylor, Community Manager at Falcon Support Services, expressed his delight at the league's impact: "I'm incredibly grateful for this amazing initiative. It's clear that this league will have a huge positive impact on the lives of many. It's not just about the football; it's about creating a safe space for people to connect, share stories, and build a sense of community."

Karl Percival, Football Development Lead at Leicestershire and Rutland County FA echoed this sentiment: "We're proud to launch the HOOF League and provide opportunities for those experiencing homelessness. Football has the power to bring people together, and we're excited to see the positive impact this league will have on our community."

What’s Next?

The HOOF League will continue with monthly matches on the last Wednesday of each month at Holmes Park. We look forward to many more successful matchdays in the future.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Karl Percival, Football Development Lead - Karl.Percival@leicestershirefa.com