A SEVEN-a-side football tournament held at Chester Football Club’s Exacta Stadium has been a resounding success.
Taking part were teams from Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Constabulary, Supporting People, Stonham House, Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH) and NACRO.
The winners were Supporting People with runners-up from Stonham House.
The final score was 2-0.
Chester Voluntary Action took the lead in organising the tournament and submitted the funding bid to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Enabling Community Empowerment Fund.
Additional funding came from Santander Community Project Fund. Yum Yums sponsored the leading goalscorer and golden glove trophies.
Trophies for the winners and runners up were presented by Lord Mayor Neil Ritchie who said: “This is the second year that the Barry Whitham Memorial Cup has taken place.
“The main aim of the tournament it to improve health and wellbeing and to get community groups to work together and for residents to feel included in the community.
“The event was very enjoyable and I am sure that its success will continue to grow.”
Clare Harrison from Chester Voluntary Action said: “CVA aims to promote and support voluntary action, ensure that the local third sector has a strong voice, and to improve the quality of life for the local people and communities.
“The football tournament not only demonstrates these aims but also proves that the voluntary and public sector can work successfully together.”
Hostel residents previously took part in 12 weekly training sessions at the Northgate Arena to improve fitness and skills. Training was delivered by University of Chester student Darragh O’Callaghan.
The 21-year-old said: “I got involved in this tournament as I wanted to further my coaching knowledge and gain more experience working with people with a diverse range of ability.
“I also feel it was a great opportunity for me to interact with people who have had a less privileged lifestyle than me and I get a great sense of achievement when I see them progressing.”
Some hostel staff and residents also attended a football coaching course so they can deliver coaching to hostel residents in the future.
The Memorial Cup is named after popular hostel resident Barry Whitham who died in 2008 aged 23.