Saints in the Community recently held a successful World Cup five-a-side competition with over 200 men taking part.

The tournament was part of the citywide men's health project (Health Kicks) which is part funded by the Football Foundation. The project aims to bridge the gap between the health services and men between the ages of 18-35 who historically do not engage with the health services.

The launch event coincided with the National Men's Health Week (June 14th - June 20th) complimenting the national focus on improving men's health across the nation. At a local level, the project supports the NHS Southampton's and Active Southampton's targets to get men active and reduce the number of those whose health is at risk.

As well as competing to be the winners of the inaugural tournament, the event provided a range of free health services which included MOT Health Testing, Chlamydia Screening, Quit Smoking advice, Platinum Fitness vouchers, as well as, the NHS's Change 4 Life and Health trainers programmes.

The football tournament was played in a competitive spirit with the overall winners declared as Philippe Albert FC who beat Agahowa FC 4-1 in the Final but needed Extra Time to do so. The Fair play award went to the Winchester Wunderteam who lost 3 players to injury and traffic, but continued to play with 100 per cent enthusiasm despite only having 4 players for the competition.

There was an abundance of good quality footballers on show, one of which was Philippe Albert FC's, Phil Caves who won the player of the tournament for his quick passing and fast skills.

(Pictured is Saints In The Community's Health Kicks Officer, Phil Hastings displaying a cheque for £112,083 received from the Football Foundation, along with over 200 players who took part in the event.)

For more information on the Health Kicks Systems Project contact Saints in the Community, Tel: 0845 688 9370 or Email phastings@saintsfc.co.uk.