HOMELESS people and those with mental health problems pulled on their football boots for Oxford’s first ‘Social Inclusion Cup’.

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (OBMH) held the inaugural tournament yesterday at Oxford United’s training ground in Horspath Road.

Twenty-five teams and 200 players from across Britain took part in the six a-side tournament, won by Bournemouth BCHA, a housing support group.

Players were presented with medals by Oxford United’s Aaron Woodley, and player Josh Payne.

Organiser Colin Godfrey, activities co-ordinator for OBMH, said: “It gave people the chance to take part in a tournament and share in an experience they would not normally have the opportunity to take part in.

“There is a clear link between exercise and well being but also the players had to be organised, play as part of a group and they were positively identified as part of that group.

“Football also challenges discrimination and stigma.”