The Merseyside Inclusion Academy have been invited by Street Soccer Northern Ireland to take part in an inclusive football tournament for those who have experienced alcohol and drug addiction, and mental health problems.

The Merseyside Inclusion Academy will be competing against Street Soccer Derry, Street Soccer Belfast and Street Soccer Coleraine on 14th and 15th March.

In addition to playing football, as part of this fantastic project, the players will spend time exploring the sights of Belfast.

Liverpool County FA’s Football Development Officer for inclusion, Stuart Carrington, praised the efforts of volunteer Dave 'Haggis' McCormack (back row, second from right) for all his efforts with the Merseyside Inclusion Academy.

“This is all down to one of our superb LCFA volunteers, Dave 'Haggis' McCormack,” he said.

“Haggis has set up the Merseyside Inclusion 11s League at Jeffrey Humble Playing Fields, which sees 10 teams play every Friday evening.

“He is a real inspiration to everyone who knows him. Dave has overcome his own problems and is a real role model to so many of the lads that play in the league. The Belfast Tournament is just the start of so many great opportunities for him.

“LCFA will continue to support Dave and all the teams in future programmes.”