A GROUP of homeless footballers have played their first game since the club was set up to help improve the wellbeing of the young men.

The young players from eight Teesside hostels took part in a tournament at Middlesbrough FC’s Herlingshaw community centre.

The Middlesbrough Homeless Football Club is designed to improve the health, confidence and life chances of young people living on the streets or in hostels.

Under a slogan of ‘Tackling Homelessness for all of Teesside’, MHFC has been formed with the support and financial backing of Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation.

Funds to support its first year in operation were raised by Teesside business leaders who took part in a sponsored CEO Sleepout outside Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium earlier this year.

Every month Teesside hostels and other agencies will field five-a-side teams to compete in a local homeless league with prizes available to the winners and runners-up.

Boro legend Bernie Slaven is taking an active role as football advisor for the new set-up and attended the first get-together to help select players to represent Middlesbrough Homeless Football Club in future 11-a-side matches against mainstream football sides.

Club chairman Andy Preston said: “It’s a stark fact that Teesside is the North-East homelessness black spot, so we’re determined to do all we can take some positive action.

“MHFC is more of a movement than a football club. While it won’t be a cure for homelessness, we believe it can help to break down the barriers between the homeless and non-homeless. Hopefully, we will help increasing numbers of Teesside’s homeless population get back into mainstream society.”

Ex-Boro striker Bernie Slaven said: "I think the idea of this club is terrific. Tackling homelessness has always been something I've wanted to get involved in so I was privileged to be asked to be part of it. I think it's absolutely disgraceful that people are homeless in Britain in 2013.”

Forming the club was the brainchild of care worker Peter Kenny, who was previously involved with the well-established Liverpool Homeless Football Club, whose patrons include ex-Liverpool FC star Jamie Carragher and comedian John Bishop.

For more details about Middlesbrough Homeless Football Club visit www.middlesbroughhomelessfc.co.uk