A HOMELESS hostel football team has emerged victorious after competing against sides from across the east of England.

Stevenage Haven, an emergency hostel in Stevenage Old Town which provides accommodation for 18 people, put together a team of service users and staff which visited Cambridge last Saturday to take part in The Winston House Cup.

The annual event saw similar charitable organisations from across Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk compete in a knockout tournament, with Stevenage Haven lifting the trophy after going undefeated in six games – conceding just one goal.

Team manager Darren Miller, who has overcome drink and drug problems with the help of the hostel, said: “To be manager for the Haven football team was an honour and to be involved in a great charity who make a real difference to people’s lives. They helped me sort my life out and I am forever grateful. The lads played great, every one of them, and I am looking forward to defending our trophy next year.”