Dublin homeless hubs battle it out in Salvation Army football blitz

A penalty shootout provided a thrilling finale to a Salvation Army football blitz involving the charity’s Lifehouses in Dublin.

Residents of the emergency accommodation hubs flocked to the Trinity College sports grounds in Santry for the five-a-side competition, supported by Shelbourne FC.

But it took spot kicks to decide a hard-fought final, eventually won by Centenary House (pictured above), one of The Salvation Army Lifehouses in Belfast, which took the honours ahead of Houben House family hub in Harold’s Cross.

The aim of the all-island tournament was to provide a fun day out for residents, who played alongside staff and even former Lifehouse service users who lined out last Thursday. (June26)

The six teams which faced off against each other were Dublin-based Houben House, York House, Granby Centre, Rease House and Greencastle Parade, with Centenary representing Northern Ireland.

And despite not having teams to field, staff from the Thorndale, Grosvenor and Glen Alva Lifehouses in Belfast also attended to lend their support.

“It didn’t matter what side anyone played on, everyone came and had fun, it was all about staff and residents being part of it and we wanted to make it a whole-of-Ireland event,” said organiser and Area Operations Manager for Ireland, Emma Gillan.

“There was some competitive stuff in that there was a trophy, but the idea was to have a fun, relaxed day so that residents and staff could enjoy each other’s company.

“All of our residents really got into it and enjoyed themselves.

“It fostered community spirit, teamwork and inclusion among participants in a safe and welcoming environment, focusing on encouragement and positivity.”

Emma expressed her thanks to the many supporters of the event, particularly Kristen Sample, community officer at Shelbourne FC, which supplied footballs and bibs, 3Q Recruitment, which sponsored medals and the player of the tournament award, Caterex, Keeling’s, Musgraves and Dunnes Stores.