A football tournament held in Bury St Edmunds to highlight the work of homelessness and substance misuse recovery services has been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by organisers.

East Anglian Daily Times: The tournament was hailed 'fantastic' by organisers Picture: SOLO HOUSINGThe tournament was hailed 'fantastic' by organisers Picture: SOLO HOUSING (Image: Archant)

The six-a-side tournament, organised by Solo Housing and Genesis Notting Hill, took place at Nowton Park on Friday, August 24.

The event involved organisations in Suffolk and Norfolk who work with people in recovery from substance misuse, including those who provide accommodation and support to help people rebuild their lives.

The tournament was supported by the Suffolk Recovery Grant Scheme and the event coincided with ‘Recovery Month’.

More than 140 people were involved on the day and 12 teams took part, including services from the homelessness sector, drug and alcohol, mental health as well as the police.

Food and refreshments were donated by Tesco, David Sice and Orwell Housing and the mayor of St Edmundsbury, Margaret Marks, also attended and presented the trophies.

Overall tournament winners were Body Matters and runners-up were Christchurch.

Winners of the Andy Banham memorial prize for displaying the best team spirit were Ipswich Housing Action Group.

Carolyn Howell, chief executive of Solo Housing, said: “We had another fantastic day of six-a-side football, it was great to see 12 teams all taking part in a day of sport, fun and food in the lovely setting of Nowton Park.

“Congratulations to the winning team Body Matters and a very big thank you to all the staff, in particular Carl and Bruce who organised the event and all the residents who played football or got involved in other ways to make the day so successful.

“We hope to put on another event next year building on this success.”