Story added: 29th January 2015

John Ruddy & David McNally cheer on Norwich City representative team

Carrow Park was a hive of activity last Friday, as teams from across south-east England took part in a tournament hosted by the Norwich City CSF Street Life Soccer programme.

Representative teams from Arsenal, Chelsea and Southend United travelled to Norfolk to participate in the competition alongside City’s Street Life team.

The tournament was a chance to showcase the successes of CSF’s award-winning programme, which engages homeless, vulnerable and vulnerably housed people through sport.

Special guests Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy and Chief Executive David McNally both came down to Carrow Park to offer their support to City’s team.

The four teams played out a round-robin style tournament, with a series of twenty-minute matches.

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.

“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 group at an event in December, Ruddy treated the group to a Christmas meal.

“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!”

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.

Ian Hill, CSF Education Development Officer, said: “The tournament was played in great spirit and with the utmost sportsmanship. Our lads even decided as a group to give their winners’ medals to their Chelsea counterparts, which was a really nice gesture.”

“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 Streetlife 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.