Footballers go green in a bid to win the Herts Homeless World Cup

Challengers FC from St Albans donned their green shirts to play in the Herts Homeless World Cup at Letchworth last week (Saturday 12 May 2018). The team played fantastically well, reaching the final of the tournament before being narrowly beaten on penalties by Stevenage Haven.

The team of Syrian refugees and friends were provided with their brightly coloured kit by local charity Groundwork Hertfordshire who recently supported the group off the pitch too.

Members of the squad had volunteered to take part in Groundwork’s Young Green Aiders project which saw them gain new gardening skills and boost their confidence while improving the gardens of local residents. The team cleared gardens for those who are physically unable to complete the work themselves – giving residents improved access to their gardens, reducing the chances of slips, trips and falls so they can enjoy their outdoor space again.

Steve Harvey, Executive Director of Groundwork said “It was a pleasure to provide the team with their kit. They have worked extremely hard to improve gardens in the local community and displayed exactly the same level of team-work and commitment to reach the final of their first ever football tournament.”