Putting the boot in to stop homelessness
The muscle strains and sore grazes have just about healed after a charity football match between teams comprising staff and people who benefit from local homelessness charities and Man On, from Watford FC’s Sports & Education Trust, at the club’s London Colney training ground last week.
The match got the ball rolling to promote the annual Stadium Sleep Out at Vicarage Road on February 27 next year. The event will raise cash for the Sports & Education Trust and the homelessness charities New Hope, Herts Young Homeless, One YMCA and DENS.
The match was a welcome diversion for staff and volunteers from the homelessness charities and for service users – many of whom have experience of rough sleeping – who took part.
It was a competitive but friendly affair, which provided passion and purpose, as well as a little perspiration and inspiration, but ended with an 8-0 win for Man On.
The homelessness charities could stake a claim to the glory however as two goals were scored by a New Hope member of staff who was playing for Man On.
But, in true Olympic spirit, it wasn’t the winning or the scoring but the taking part that really mattered.
One of the DENS players said: “It’s been great. We’ve had six weeks in the build-up and we’re slowly getting there. We’re not really fit enough yet but we really enjoyed the day. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Thanks to everyone for letting us come.”
Jonny, an Outreach Worker from DENS, added: “We want to keep the football going. We started with two people in training and now have 13. They really enjoy it and feel a lot better after a session. We’ve loved having something to train for and aspire to.”
One of the New Hope players said it was “great exercise for a good cause and lots of fun”.
The Stadium Sleep Out is an exciting and rare opportunity for people to experience what Watford FC’s Vicarage Road stadium is like when all the matchday fans have gone home.
Participants will be swapping the comfort of their beds for sleeping bags overlooking the pitch from the Rookery Stand. During the evening, the event will feature special guests and ambassadors from charities in attendance providing information and awareness on homelessness, as well as a range of different activities including hot food and refreshments.
Sign up to take part in rthe Stadium Sleep Out 2026 here!
The headline sponsor for the Stadium Sleep Out is Warner Bros of Leavesden and TopGolf Watford is also chipping in with its support as is Storm Procurement of Croxley Park and ABN Cleaning.
