News | WORLD CUP FEVER - TUESDAY 18TH MAY
With a fantastic replica Jules Rimet trophy awaiting the winners, a draw at the start of the day decided which team would wear which country’s kit. The likes of England, Brazil, Argentina and Spain were all up for grabs as each captain came forward to draw a name out of the hat.
The World Cup theme created a buzz of excitement amongst the players, and even the weather tried to replicate the conditions in South Africa this summer, with the tournament bathed in sunlight all day.
Unlike most SUNEE Street League matches, the games were 11-a-side and played on a full pitch. The teams were divided into two groups, with the top two from each group going through to the semi-finals. Terry Donald, from the Newcastle team but playing in the colours of Italy, said, ‘The format’s great. We get to play loads of matches, we’re almost always on. And it helps that I scored a hat-trick!’
Callum Simpson, SUNEE Street League coach for the North, explained the World Cup theme: ‘Football’s a massive part of these guys’ lives, so with the World Cup coming up it was just nice to link it to that. It’s a real incentive for them to get involved with the project.’
There was a noticeable feel-good factor amongst the players, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds such as homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, unemployment and crime. Callum was delighted with the atmosphere at Longbenton: ‘It’s brilliant, really good. There have been no incidents, everyone’s respecting the referee’s decisions, and everyone seems to be mingling with one another when they’re not playing. So I’m really chuffed with it.’
FA licensed referee Dave McCallum, who was officiating one of the pitches, agreed. ‘I think the people who have taken part have really enjoyed themselves. Sportsmanship’s been good today – I haven’t had any problems on my pitch at all,’ he said. ‘It’s been hard work mind, running up and down the pitch for a couple of hours!’
Dave has refereed at a lot of SUNEE Street League events, and is convinced of the project’s worth: ‘I can see the project making a difference, for sure. I think the kids and blokes that play are just great.’
Andy Richards, a client from Phoenix House Drug Rehabilitation Centre, was playing for Portugal. ‘I wanted to be England, but I had to settle for Portugal!’ he joked. ‘It’s been a top day though. Great football, and it’s just a great way to keep you fit and running around.’
A competitive final was watched by all between England and Brazil with England being the overall winners taking home the World cup after a nail biting penalty shoot out.
To see photographs of the event, click here
Article written by Chris Hay, SUNEE Journalism Scholar at Newcastle University
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