![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/john-stones-joined-by-fellow-england-hero-in-surprise-for-300-homeless-footballers/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/0_JHP_MDM_280923FOOTBALL_24.jpg&description=Manchester City defender John Stones was mobbed by starstruck fans who invited him for a five-a-side kick about on the astroturf - but he was unable to play due to his current injury Two England heroes surprised a crowd of 300 homeless football players taking part in a charity tournament on Thursday. Manchester City defender John Stones was mobbed by starstruck fans who invited him for a five-a-side kick about on the astroturf. The injured centre-back bowed out joking "I wouldn't be much use" due to a groin injury - but posed for selfies and signed shirts with the excited crowd. The players had been taking part in the Salvation Army's Partnership Trophy at GOALS Manchester in the shadows of the Etihad Stadium. The tournament works with Pep Guardiola's Spanish charity, the Guardiola Sala Foundation to bring vulnerable people from across the country together for a day of the beautiful game. Legendary goalkeeper, Peter Shilton, 74, who is the most capped England player in history, also turned up to cheer the teams on from the sidelines. Gary Bourton, 51, from Reading, told the Mirror: "He was my childhood hero, I watched him for the first time when he was playing for Saints (Southampton FC) and I was just a boy. I've followed his career since, he's a legend but I never could have dreamed I would meet him and get him to sign my shirt." Like Gary, Anton Barnes, 38, fell homeless following battles with drug addiction and has been living in a Salvation Army Lifehouse for several months. With their help, Anton has got clean and is getting his life in Sheffield back on track. He said: "It's incredible that these men have come down here to meet us, they're millionaires and they've taken the time to come and chat to us, it means everything." After offering the men some shot-saving tips, Peter also opened up on his own struggles in an emotional speech about his gambling addiction. His voice wavered as he told the crowds: "My reason for coming out publicly was because I'd heard){kind=link}
Manchester City defender John Stones was mobbed by starstruck fans who invited him for a five-a-side kick about on the astroturf – but he was unable to play due to his current injury
Two England heroes surprised a crowd of 300 homeless football players taking part in a charity tournament on Thursday.
Manchester City defender John Stones was mobbed by starstruck fans who invited him for a five-a-side kick about on the astroturf. The injured centre-back bowed out joking “I wouldn’t be much use” due to a groin injury – but posed for selfies and signed shirts with the excited crowd.
The players had been taking part in the Salvation Army’s Partnership Trophy at GOALS Manchester in the shadows of the Etihad Stadium. The tournament works with Pep Guardiola’s Spanish charity, the Guardiola Sala Foundation to bring vulnerable people from across the country together for a day of the beautiful game.
Legendary goalkeeper, Peter Shilton, 74, who is the most capped England player in history, also turned up to cheer the teams on from the sidelines. Gary Bourton, 51, from Reading, told the Mirror: “He was my childhood hero, I watched him for the first time when he was playing for Saints (Southampton FC) and I was just a boy. I’ve followed his career since, he’s a legend but I never could have dreamed I would meet him and get him to sign my shirt.”