The group of players representing The Blades will be one of ten teams playing in the Football For Good trophy on 19 November, competing against players representing West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool.
The Football For Good trophy is set up by the Street Soccer Foundation, involving 18 to 30-year-olds experiencing homelessness and young people not in education, employment or training.
One of the players from Sheffield, Stephen Yates, 30, said: “It will be a great experience to play at the London Stadium because it’s a professional stadium in the premier league.”
Along with his teammates, Stephen has participated in the Street Soccer Academy ten-week personal development course centred around football, incorporating positive mindset training, mentoring support, football coaching and employability workshops.
Mr Yates said: “The Street Soccer Academy has built up my confidence and given me better mental health. I have quit smoking, which has had a huge benefit in my life.”
The Street Soccer Foundation was formed in 2015, using football to help both males and females from 17 to 25 develop the skills to succeed, also running a primary school programme for vulnerable children.
Nathan Pearson, a volunteer coach with the team, said: “Coming on to volunteer after being a participant in the academy myself, I understand how motivating the football tournament at the London Stadium is. We’ve seen an incredible amount of determination and motivation from our participants.”
The tournament is taking place on November 19th, which is International Football For Good day where the 56 commonwealth member countries are encouraged to organise football related activities.
Keith Mabbutt, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Street Soccer Foundation, said: “Our Football for good initiative will harness that power to bring communities together in celebration of the Commonwealth year of youth and we are delighted to partner with the commonwealth on this exciting new global movement.”
He said: “We have witnessed through our programmes the positive impact football can have in the lives of young people – from creating friendships, boosting their confidence, giving them a new purpose and aiding their physical and mental health.”
The event at the London stadium will connect with other football events across the commonwealth through live streaming and social media.
For more information about the Street Soccer Foundation, visit www.streetsoccerfoundation.org.uk.
