A FOOTBALL tournament set up to celebrate the diverse groups in St Helens has been deemed a great success.

Last month, a five-a-side tournament brought together ten organisations from across the borough, from drug recovery charities and refugee integration groups, to community hospices and veterans groups.

Hosted by St Helens Town AFC, the 'Inclusion Cup' resulted in a spirited show of competition and camaraderie, with Liverpool Football Therapy FC declared champions of the inaugural event.

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St Helens Star: The five-a-side team representing Willowbrook HospiceThe five-a-side team representing Willowbrook Hospice (Image: St Helens Town)
Taking place at Ruskin Sports Village on Thursday, April 25, the tournament involved St Helens Town AFC Community Team, Come Together Hub, Enjoy Football, Standing Tall Vets Select, Cafe Laziz, FC Willowbrook, CGL, Hope United, and YMCA St Helens.

The tournament marks a collaborative effort between the football club and recovery charities, Come Together Hub and Change Grow Live St Helens, following the inclusive football sessions that the Come Together Hub was hosting at Parr Sports.

The event was such a success that organisers hope to continue this next year.

St Helens Star: Refugee integration group Cafe Laziz played in the tournamentRefugee integration group Cafe Laziz played in the tournament (Image: Cafe Laziz)
Speaking about the event, Mike Bagshaw, from St Helens Town, said: "Ten outstanding organisations, including remarkable recovery charities such as Come Together Hub and CGL St Helens, showcased great camaraderie.

"From Bright Start Homes to Enjoy Football, our community rallied together, with Café Laziz and Hope United representing our refugee community.

"Kudos to FC Willowbrook as runners up and congratulations to Liverpool Football Therapy FC, the undisputed champions!

St Helens Star: The tournament included sports club, community groups, and chairitesThe tournament included sports club, community groups, and chairites (Image: St Helens Town)
"The challenge is set for a St Helens team to reclaim the trophy next year.

"Heartfelt gratitude to all participants and organisations for their dedication to our marginalised communities.

"Football, truly, speaks a universal language."

St Helens Star: Organisers hope that the tournament can become a yearly eventOrganisers hope that the tournament can become a yearly event (Image: St Helens Town)