SIX teams from across Oxford have gathered this morning for the first session of a football tournament aiming to boost the confidence of those 'marginalised' by society.
The Social Inclusion Cup was launched by Blackbird Leys-based organisation Streets Revolution, which supports people facing mental health issues and homelessness.
It will feature monthly six-a-side competitions at Oxford City Football Club from May through to September bringing different groups together through the beautiful game.
Sean Qualter, who works at the MYOX4 drug and alcohol recovery hub in Knights Road, was at the Marsh Lane grounds this morning with a team of current clients.
He said: "Today is the first day of the league and there are six teams, which is not bad for the first day. It will be going on for five months on Tuesdays.
"People love it. Playing sports is a form of therapy we do and it's just as important. People get so much out of it."
Groups playing today include three from Streets Revolution and three from MYOX4, social enterprise Aspire and national charity Mayday Trust.
A 'Social Inclusion Cup' event last October saw teams from organisations including Thames Valley Police, Refugee Resource, O’Hanlon House homeless shelter and addiction service Turning Point joing forces for a kickabout.
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