The story in full:

i2i Sunderland Coaching Academy were invited to a 7-a-side footy tournament organized by Groundworks last Friday 4th June 2010.

A team was assembled from players on programme with i2i and who were keen to participate in the event. In extreme hot weather conditions, not too dissimilar to that of South Africa (we wish) 7 players consisting of, a recovering drug addict, 2 NEET customers, an individual who has a learning disability, a 16yr old with ADHD, and 2 ex offenders, played their hearts out and came away winners in a competition they were not expecting to do well in at all.

The final ended in a penalty shoot out with more than 50 spectators looking on and i2i held their nerve to come through worthy winners. “Well done lads”

The team will now look forward to a medal presentation ceremony by none other than Marco Gabbiadini Sunderland FC legend and now working as i2i Head of Sports Based Learning.