Changing lives through the power of football

Through the power of football, The Salvation Army are aiming to make a life-changing difference to individuals living locally who are in need of support and guidance.

The Salvation Army Swan Lodge Lifehouse, based in Sunderland, is just one of over 80 supported accommodation services across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Swan Lodge provides accommodation for up to 65 adults aged 18 and over who are homeless. As well as providing a place to stay, the service also offers support to those who struggle with substance abuse as well as people with physical and mental health issues.

Since the new year, Swan Lodge staff have encouraged and empowered residents to achieve their maximum potential, resulting in a weekly football session at the Beacon of Light, led by former Sunderland star, Julio Arca.

Fan favourite Arca shares the same ethos as Swan Lodge, with the ex-footballer eager to help the lads make positive choices about their current circumstances. The programme will focus on football development and improving fitness levels enabling the participants to be in a healthy position both physically as well as mentally.

Andy Smith, Salvation Army Administrator and Duty Manager at Swan Lodge who helped set up the project has been an ever-present at the Beacon, helping Arca during sessions, providing support on and off the football pitch.

Smith was eager to get Arca on board, with the former unable to hide his delight when speaking about the latter’s involvement. “Julio is a massive part of the North East and he’s been to Swan Lodge on a number of occasions now.

“He’s took the time to visit these individuals and listen to their addiction issues and mental health issues. They all look up to him because he’s not fazed by it and he says they are just normal people like he is.”

Smith has been reflecting on the positive opportunities the Foundation of Light can provide, hoping this new initiative can also guide the residents of Swan Lodge into employment. “One of our lads, Jack Smithson, has just completed the Street Soccer Academy at the Beacon of Light and on the back of that, he’s been offered an apprenticeship to work with children who have a disability, teaching and coaching them football.

“It’s had a massive impact on his mental health and now he’s thriving and he’s got his own place as well. It will be fantastic if this new project can allow our other lads to follow in the same footsteps.”

Smith is also keen to change the perception of Swan Lodge, admitting there’s a current stigma that surrounds the accommodation. “At Swan Lodge, these individuals are just like any other person. They’re with us because they’re having trouble with mental health and addiction issues but the individuals at Swan Lodge want to change and that’s why they work with us.”

Jack Smithson, a resident of Swan Lodge, is loving the weekly sessions with Arca, revealing the football at the Beacon is the highlight of his week. “It’s a great experience. Especially getting coached off an ex-pro who played for Sunderland and Middlesbrough.

“It’s also impacted my mental and physical health immensely. Getting out for a few hours on a Wednesday and doing the likes of football. I ask every day if football is on this week. I just love getting out and doing it.”

The Sports Traider Charity Project, located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, have supported Swan Lodge Lifehouse by donating football boots to residents, ensuring all players get to participate.

Ricky Gleeson, Project Manager at Sports Traider, knows first-hand the impact a project like this can make. “We essentially sell sportswear from a retail outlet, then we use the proceeds to put on sporting projects for local members of the community, young people, ex-offenders, so this ties in perfectly with our ethos and that’s why I reached out.

“I was homeless for ten years and then in my twenties, I got really fit through boxing training and I credit that with changing everything about the direction of my life. All of a sudden you start looking after yourself a lot better, healthy body, healthy mind.”