A former police officer is amongst a group of ex-prisoners playing football to help victims of violence.

Simon House Football Club, which is named after the Oxford homeless hostel where most of them live, includes an ex-policeman remanded for violent assault and a former drug user accused of breaking his girlfriend's arm.

The team is trained by Stephen Fontaine, who last year formed Survivors FC, a football team for young women affected by domestic violence.

Simon House FC are in training to take part in the Oxfordshire Ball, a two-day football tournament in Oxford, which will raise money for Oxfordshire Women's Aid and the Protective Behaviours programme.

Former police constable Paul Marriott, 42, is the team's manager.

Mr Marriott, who grew up in Banbury and worked in Warwickshire, said: "My problems started when I couldn't cope with the stress of police work and turned to alcohol.

"I was a victim of violence and although I'm not a violent man, I have a short fuse.

"I served time on remand and also did 290 hours of community service as a result of my violent behaviour.

He added: "I suppose I have unique experience because I not only suffered violence, but I also perpetrated it - I was a police officer and a criminal.

"But, like the other guys on this team, I want to try to show that just because someone has been in trouble in the past, you shouldn't write them off completely."

Carl Herbert, 49, is a former drug user and served seven months on remand after an argument with a girlfriend left her with a broken arm.

He said: "I did not break her arm, but I have experienced violence, sometimes as a perpetrator, a victim and an onlooker.

"Being part of this team and raising awareness of violence is a way of saying we are asking for a second chance and want to help victims too, by raising money and awareness."

Trainer Stephen Fontaine said: "Being in this team, taking part in the training and working together is an important step in these men's rehabilitation.

"There's a stigma attached to them and they know that, but they want to help stop the cycle of violence whereby people who suffer violence, often become violent.

"Last year, the Oxfordshire Ball was a female only event and raised more than £1,000 for Oxfordshire Women's Aid.

"This year the men will also be helping to raise money for that cause, and also for Protective Behaviours, which helps young victims of crime across the country and here in Oxford.

"The women will play their tournament on July 28 and the men on July 29.

"For every goal scored, our sponsor - Cafe Baba in Cowley Road - will donate £10."

Mr Fontaine wants to hear from teams keen to join the event, and urged people to support it.

Call Stephen Fontaine on 07906 108473.