Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was seen encouraging players at The Salvation Army’s five-a-side Partnership Trophy tournament at Goals in Cheetham Hill, Manchester on Thursday.
The United boss is gearing up for this Sunday’s derby with Manchester City but took time out to encourage those at the event and support the “great work” the charity does. The tournament consisted of 20 teams made up of staff, refugees and modern slavery survivors.
Blue Nile of The Salvation Army’s Refugee Resettlement Service in the North West lifted the trophy, which was presented by former England captain Terry Butcher, who also delivered a passing workshop to players.
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Ten Hag said he enjoyed attending the event and praised the charity for their work. “It was fantastic to attend today’s event in Manchester with The Salvation Army,” he said. "The organisation does great work in supporting homeless people to rebuild their lives.
"Homelessness is a difficult problem in our city and anything I can do to raise awareness by coming to events like this is important. It was great to see everyone playing football together, showing energy, spirit and teamwork to promote wellbeing.”
Along with Ten Hag and Butcher, the event — which “celebrates the achievements of players on and off the pitch” — was supported by the Guardiola Sala Foundation (GSF), a humanitarian charity set up by City boss Pep Guardiola and his family, who attended the tournament in 2019.
During the day, Butcher gave an emotional speech which touched on his battle with depression after losing his son to suicide.
He said: “This tournament is a great way of bringing good sportsmanship, good behaviour and good football together and the most important thing for everyone that took part was to enjoy it!
“The challenges that all of the players have overcome, and are still overcoming, is testament to their hard work and commitment to being the best that they can be.
“I know from my own experience that having people you can turn to is a huge help and The Salvation Army is a perfect example of how getting the right support can go a long way towards rebuilding lives. Fighting power was evident at the tournament from all teams, and you need that in life, never mind on the football pitch.
“Everybody that took part is a winner, just for getting up and getting involved, but a big congratulations to Blue Nile, who showed skill and determination throughout the day. Everyone should be proud of themselves and what they are overcoming every day.”
Major Hilarie Watchorn, Assistant Director of the Homelessness Services Unit for The Salvation Army, said: “Our annual Partnership Trophy celebrates those we support through our homelessness services and all that they have overcome and indeed the journey that they are still on.
“Today has been a wonderful example of everyone coming together to work together and build on their experiences whilst boosting mental and physical health as well as social skills.
“We’re thrilled that both Erik ten Hag and Terry Butcher could join us today and that they, along with the Guardiola Sala Foundation, have supported us at this year’s event and send our heartfelt thanks to them all.
"It’s encouraging for our service users to see people giving up their time, not to mention a real boost to their self-esteem and confidence, seeing that they’re on the right path and there is hope for the future.”
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