Premiership referee Chris Foy and Gee Walker, the mother of murdered teenager Anthony, kicked off the Homeless Football Club’s fifth season in Liverpool.
The club organises the games to improve health and self-esteem for homeless people on Merseyside and has grown to include 18 teams and over 150 players.
Local hero and Chairman John Finnegan, a welfare support officer, said: “We started the club five years ago and initially it was just about playing footie.
“But some of the lads who came were unhealthy and the NHS came onboard to take blood pressure and provide support.
“We provide soup as well and the club continues to grow in a really positive way.”
The season kicked off at Power League in Everton Valley during the nationwide Kick It Out week, which works through the sport to tackle discrimination.
Gee Walker, whose son Anthony was brutally murdered in Huyton in 2005, spoke at the opening ceremony as the teams were eager to get playing.
She said: “Racism and discrimination destroys lives and you are united today. Keep doing what you are doing for good.”
Chris Foy was unable to comment due to the complaint made by Chelsea boss Andre Villa-Boas after the blues controversial defeat against QPR on Saturday.
The Portuguese manager was landed with a letter from the FA asking him to explain his critical comments after the game about Foy’s refereeing.
Since the league started in 2007, homeless men who have come to the games have increased their fitness levels.
In the beginning, many wanted to come off the pitch before the ten minutes was up but now the players want the game to go on longer.
Councillor Wendy Simon, cabinet member for culture and tourism, said: “It is a great achievement for the homeless club to be starting its fifth season and going from strength to strength.
“The Homeless club provides an opportunity for a part of our community who previously may have been excluded to play football.
“That is why it is very appropriate the Homeless club, which has a very diverse multi-cultural membership, should be contributing to the Kick it Out Week.
“The Homeless club is a great example of equality of providing equality of access to the sport and they can look forward to another successful season.”
The season will have seven match day fixtures, on a monthly basis, plus an end of season tournament with all matches played at the Power League on Whittle Street.
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