They may not be ready for the big leagues yet but, thanks to the support of Sheffield United, city homeless charity Emmaus Sheffield are ready to make their mark on the five-a-side circuit.

Sheffield United have donated kit to the charity’s new staff and companions five-a-side team, which will be kicking off with its first fixtures in the New Year.

Emmaus Sheffield is a working community with quality, self-contained accommodation, training facilities and a workspace for previously homeless men and women aged 18 years and over.

It aims through its Social Enterprise programme to provide meaningful work and enable the people it supports – known as companions - to eventually become self-supporting once more.

“One of our principal aims is to prepare our companions for a full return to the wider community and there’s no better way to do that on a social level than through sporting activities,” said Emmaus Sheffield Deputy Manager Charley Fedorenko.

“Thanks to Sheffield United, our five-a-side team will now be able to compete with pride and we look forward to seeing them make a big impression on the city’s sporting scene.”