Organiser Alan Harrison presents the Philanthropic Cup to Middlesbrough captain Ben Scotchbrook, watched by his jubilant team-mates.
Recovering alcoholics, gamblers and drugs addicts from across the North-East gave their problems the boot when they took on representatives of local homeless hostels in an 11-a-side football tournament.
And it was home side Middlesbrough who emerged victorious in the final, winning a tense penalty shootout against Newcastle to lift the Philanthropic Cup.
When Boro goalkeeper Karl Clarke saved in the penalty shoot-out, Danny Hall stepped up to firing the crucial spot-kick, before captain Ben Scotchbrook lifted the trophy.
Organised by Middlesbrough Homeless and Recovery League, the competition also attracted clubs from Sunderland and Gateshead to the Herlingshaw Centre to encourage those in crisis to stay active and healthy.
Backed by Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation and the MFC Foundation, Middlesbrough Homeless and Recovery League runs a monthly football tournament for Teessiders utilising local recovery and homelessness agencies.
Organiser Alan Harrison, the League’s sports development coordinator, said: “We run our monthly league to encourage fitness, health and social welfare among those who have issues with homelessness, substance misuse, alcohol or gambling.
“But these are big issues across the North-east, so this tournament helps to promote the problem whilst providing the lads with something positive and constructive to focus on.
“We’re grateful to the Philanthropic Foundation and Boro’s own charity, the MFC Foundation, for their excellent support once again.”
