Elliott & Walsh Coach Homeless Charity Participants

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Elliott & Walsh Coach Homeless Charity Participants

Matt Elliott and Steve Walsh coached participants from a homeless centre during a two-hour session at Loughborough University late last month.

2025-08-15T15:38+01:00

by Sam Jones

Published

15 Aug, 2025

Elliott & Walsh Coach Homeless Charity Participants

Matt Elliott and Steve Walsh coached participants from a homeless centre during a two-hour session at Loughborough University late last month.

Sam Jones

2025-08-15T15:38+01:00

Elliott & Walsh Coach Homeless Charity Participants

Matt Elliott and Steve Walsh coached participants from a homeless centre during a two-hour session at Loughborough University late last month.

Sam Jones

2025-08-15T15:38+01:00

Elliott & Walsh Coach Homeless Charity Participants

Matt Elliott and Steve Walsh coached participants from a homeless centre during a two-hour session at Loughborough University late last month.

Sam Jones

2025-08-15T15:38+01:00

Elliott & Walsh Coach Homeless Charity Participants

Matt Elliott and Steve Walsh coached participants from a homeless centre during a two-hour session at Loughborough University late last month.

Sam Jones

2025-08-15T15:38+01:00

Leicester City favourites Matt Elliott and Steve Walsh deliver football coaching at Loughborough University
The session was for those who use the Falcon Centre, a charity that provides homeless accommodation
Lee Flanigan spoke about his own past troubles and the benefits that football can offer participants

The football coaching session was put on for individuals currently supported by Falcon - many of whom are experiencing homelessness or have recently been housed through the charity’s services.

Providing emergency accommodation and intensive 24/7 care, the centre in Loughborough also offers help with recovery services, community drop-ins, and supported housing across the region. Their aim is to help vulnerable adults move from crisis towards stability and independence.

Harm Reduction Manager Lee Flanigan was once in a similar position himself and used the centre’s services. Now in recovery for seven years, he assists others in getting their lives back on track.

“I played football as a child but unfortunately addiction took hold and I lost the passion for it,” he admitted. “I ended up homeless in hostels, supported living and prison.

“I went into rehab in 2018 and when I came out, started to play football again. It was one of the activities that I jumped straight back into and rekindled that passion.

“Further down the line I joined a Sunday side and a vets team, because I’m 48 now! It got me more involved and I always wanted to do a bit more, so I felt it was necessary to go back and help out.

“I know what it’s like to be in a hostel. When you’re lost at times, you feel a bit isolated and you just need a few connections with others and to basically have a good laugh and a joke by getting outside.”

He also took part in the session alongside participants and outlined the benefits.

“It’s served a massive purpose because if they are down here for two hours, they’re not on their own, they’re not on the streets causing harm to themselves and they’re not using as well. It’s working.”

Around 20 participants took part in the event, which was delivered by Foxes favourites Elliott and Walsh, and allowed attendees to enjoy structured activity, build confidence and feel connected through the power of football.

“Certainly me and Steve have really enjoyed the day,” Elliott told us. “It’s a haven for a lot of people and one that they deserve the opportunity to have.

“It’s hard to put a value on it. You don’t know how important something as seemingly trivial as a training session is and how much effect it might have on their lives to varying degrees.

“It is an eye opener because we’re aware of people’s predicaments in life but when you actually see it in front of you, it’s quite stark really what they have to go through.

“It makes it even more rewarding when you see the smiles on their faces, because that’s not the case day to day and it’s a tough old ride for them. To be given the opportunity to help them along a touch is an absolute pleasure.”

As Sarah Whannell, Director of Operations at Falcon Support Services, explained, getting involved in sport can also increase self-esteem and allow positive engagement with other individuals going through similar experiences, bringing a sense of community.

“When they come together, they are one team and it’s fantastic,” she commented. “It doesn’t have to be football, but it’s about communicating effectively, knowing how to go up to someone and speak to them and not everyone here knows each other, but they’ve managed to do that since coming to these sessions.

“We’re appreciative of all the support from Leicester City Football Club. They have been part of our Homeless Open Opportunities Football League, part of our charity matches and to come out and do this training session, we’re really grateful.

“It shows our service users that they are human and that people do care about them. There’s a lot of stigma around homelessness and addiction but they are someone’s brother, dad, son. By getting Leicester coming in, it really means a lot to them.”

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