Soccer gives goal to street league

By BRONWYN SELL

LONDON - It wouldn't be a 21st century soccer competition without a website but it seems illogical for Britain's Street League to list its draws and tables online.

For the league's players are not the usual internet-surfing accountant-by-day, fullback-by-weekend types.

They are all homeless.

In all other aspects the league's first season has been a dazzling success.

It was set up by a doctor of tropical diseases at London's University College Hospital, Damian Hatton, who decided he had seen one too many aimless homeless persons come to the hospital.

"I wanted to do something that could rebuild their self-esteem and confidence while having a great time."

Hatton is more of a rugby man, but he knew the pull of soccer in London was greater.

He rang around some hostels for homeless people, got 16 teams together and organised a five-a-side tournament preceded by a seven-week training session.

It was no slapdash social league - he secured the support of coaches at some of London's top clubs - Chelsea, West Ham, Fulham - who were happy to help in their off-season.

The young doctor raised money from football associations, the Rough Sleepers Unit and charitable trusts to buy uniforms and boots, and hey presto, he had himself a league, which at last count had 36 teams nationwide, and that is increasing weekly.

Most importantly, the Street League has given its players a chance to put their souls into something.

Dwyer, a 27-year-old who has four children from three different women, told Britain's Sunday Telegraph that he sleeps under Blackfriars Bridge and has been either on the streets or behind bars for minor assaults and fraud since he was 19.

He said he had been out of trouble for four years.

"I'm just a dosser and I'm in the middle of picking myself up."

Every Wednesday his team trains with a coach from Fulham, and on Thursdays they play their matches. As one of their most regular players, Dwyer has become the team's captain.

"Football is the one thing most of us wanted to do as kids, and my Wednesdays and Thursdays are now the one thing I look forward to. It's given me something to get up for, my two fixtures of the week. I feel happier now; things must be getting better."