WHEN Daniel Reeves found himself homeless at the age of 16, he could have easily gone down the wrong path in life.

But his passion for football kept him focused and a year later, he is celebrating being the only football player from the North-East to be selected to represent England in the Homeless World Cup 2009, in Milan.

Daniel, now 17, was helped by staff at supported housing provider Stonham, in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, where he now lives.

Daniel, who has just completed the first year of his A-levels at Durham Sixth Form Centre, said: “When I was made homeless because of family circumstances at the age of 16 I didn’t know what the future held. I did think maybe I would go the wrong way.

“After a month staying with a friend, thankfully I was introduced to Stonham.”

Daniel, who played at academy level with Middlesbrough Football Club before he was made homeless, went on to join the academy at Darlington Football Club. Stonham project workers put his name forward for the world cup.

After battling through a series of football trials that began in February, Daniel will now be part of an eight-player squad which will fly out to Milan in September.

Chelsea fan Daniel said: “I’m really excited about going to Milan with the team. Football has given me a real positive focus.

“Just before my final trial in June, Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn sent me a really nice letter.

“He told me to enjoy the experience and remember that I was there on merit and to be confident in my own ability.”

Stonham project worker Helen Woodland has been with Daniel on his road to soccer success.

She said: “Daniel really deserves his success. The whole experience has opened his eyes to a lot of new things and he has made new friends from different cultures and backgrounds, all of whom have been in similar, difficult situations as Daniel.

“At the moment we are trying to raise funds for our trip to Milan. This is a real life-changing opportunity for Daniel and the other players.”

If you would like to donate to Daniel’s fundraising efforts, call 0191-517-1100 or email helen.woodland@homegroup.org.uk