At the end of June, the Changing Lives FC programme, run by Rochdale AFC Community Trust to support people experiencing homelessness, took part in the Beyond the Pitch Football Tournament hosted by Manchester FA.
Two teams made up of service users from Rochdale represented Rochdale AFC Community Trust’s Changing Lives FC. One team made up of service users from Oldham represented Avro FC as part of their partnership with Petrus, focusing on wellbeing activities such as football. Throughout the day, players showed fantastic teamwork, determination and community spirit.
Everyone taking part was treated to lunch by H.M.Pasties Foundation, with a choice of meat and potato, ham and leek, or cheese and onion pies. Participants also received free haircuts from the Haircuts4Homeless Manchester team and were given new sports clothing to take home.
More Than Football: Building Confidence, Connection and Community
While there was plenty to celebrate on the pitch, the day was about far more than football. The game builds confidence, connection and community, giving people space to switch off, have fun and feel part of something bigger.
Rochdale AFC Changing Lives supports people experiencing homelessness or living in supported accommodation, offering free, inclusive football sessions that boost mental health, physical wellbeing and social inclusion.
Thank you to Rochdale AFC Community Trust and Avro Football Club for the weekly coaching sessions, giving the people we support the chance to get together for a kickabout, boost their mental and physical wellbeing, and feel the power of being part of a team. You've helped people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to get outside, get active and get together!
Voices from the Pitch
Ian Mason, Regional Service Lead at Petrus Community, spoke about the importance of initiatives like this, explaining that loneliness can be incredibly isolating and that events such as the tournament provide valuable opportunities for people to build friendships, improve their wellbeing and feel part of a community.
One participant described the programme as invaluable for their mental wellbeing, saying it gives them something to look forward to each week, the chance to develop new skills and the opportunity to meet new people. For many involved, it was also their first experience of playing in a tournament of this kind.
The Impact of Changing Lives FC
The mission of Rochdale AFC Changing Lives is not only to offer accessible sporting activities but also to provide personal development opportunities, including pathways into volunteering, education, and employment. For many people facing homelessness, opportunities like this can be out of reach. The initiative will help individuals on their journey to long-term stability and improved wellbeing.
Now in its sixth month, Rochdale AFC Community Trusts Changing Lives FC programme continues to make a positive impact through the power of football, bringing people together, building confidence and creating opportunities for those who need them most. The Beyond the Pitch tournament was another reminder of what the programme can achieve, both on and off the pitch.
Want to get involved?
This partnership with Rochdale AFC Community Trust is such a game‑changer. Together, we’re breaking down barriers and opening up new routes into volunteering, skills‑building and meaningful work experiences.
Rochdale AFC Changing Lives is open, inclusive, and free to join. If you’d like to support the programme or find out more about taking part, you can contact Scott Webster at scott.webster@rochdaleafc.co.uk