News | FOOTBALL SAVED MY LIFE
The SUNEE Street League attracted more than 950 North East people suffering social problems ranging from unemployment and homelessness to alcoholism and drug addiction since it started in July.
On Wednesday, February 3, the weekly football coaching session will start at the Spectrum Leisure Centre in Willington. Coach Alun Armstrong, an ex-professional footballer now living in Wolsingham, said it was for people down on their luck.
Trevor Bowater was told by doctors that his alcoholism would kill him within months before he decided to check himself into a rehabilitation centre in April.
Since then, he has only returned to the bottle once when the SUNEE Street League was off during Christmas.
Tony, who admitted he hit rock bottom and even attempted to take his own life before deciding to get help, said he joined the league at Maiden Castle in Durham while out jogging as part of another fitness related rehabilitation course. He has since become a volunteer coach. Tony said, ‘I met some of the lads and their stories struck a chord, having been an alcoholic could empathise with them. I went 12 weeks sober once I joined and I’ve managed to get my foot back on the ladder.
The doctor said I would be dead by March this year if I carried on drinking, I weighed 15 stone and my eyes were yellow. Joining the league and then becoming a volunteer to help others has saved my life.’
‘It is hard getting back into society, you have this label on you and people judge you. Here, no-one judges. No-one intends to become an addict, it happens though and you have to take responsibility for it. There’s not cure for it, I’ve got help myself. Everyday is a battle and I did lapse over Christmas and I knew then I had to get back to the SUNEE league. Since I came back I’ve been sober again.
‘I’ve surrounded myself with the positive people that run the course. You have to breakaway from those associates who are drinking or taking drugs with you, you have to realise they are not your friends. It’s the people at this course who are here to help you and that are your friends.
‘I would urge anyone to give it a go, get a foot in the door. If you’ve given up on yourself there is a positive way back up. There’s no pressure to do anything, you are completely free here and you have the people who want to help you.’
Alun said, ‘There’s no pressure to join in, you can just come and watch if you life. Many people have just come to watch and decided to get involved after seeing the smiles of those playing. These people need these programmes. When I was first approached about doing it I was frightened, I was told I’d be working with ex-offenders and drug addicts and I’ll admit I was scared. But I came in and it’s been unbelievable.
These are normal people who love football, we can all relate to each other.
‘This course isn’t about creating world-beaters, I’m not teaching them how to become great players. It’s about giving them life skills and confidence in themselves.’
Trevor said he learnt valuable skills without even realising, such as good preparation and time keeping skills.
Every month the other SUNEE Street League teams in the North East get together for a tournament. Players are also scouted for the Homeless World Cup, an annual football tournament featuring only homeless players.
Sessions will be held at the Spectrum every Wednesday from 11am to noon. Anyone over 16 who is interested is invited to turn up to the session.
Article written by Duncan Leatherdale
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