Homeless people in Oxford took part in a triathlon in the hope of scoring sponsorship for their own football team.

Night Shelter clients John, above left, and Tony Weeks, right, resettlement manager Gary French, centre, took part in the triathlon

The group of three men were joined by three sporty staff members from Oxford Night Shelter, which provides accommodation for the homeless, to swim, run and cycle their way through the event.

They formed their own football club -- which does not yet have a name -- and train on open ground next to Oxford Ice Rink off Oxpens Road. But with no proper boots, no goal posts and only an old football, they have found themselves struggling.

An Oxford Night Shelter resident, who only wanted to be known as John, swam 200 metres at Temple Cowley pool with Rachel Bradley, of Julian Housing, which works in partnership with the Night Shelter.

He said: "It all started with the Rugby World Cup. We got a £3 rugby ball and started kicking it around.

"Then we started with the football. It's nice to have the day centre but it's good to get out and do some exercise."

He said the football club helped team members forget their daily problems, which include drug and alcohol abuse.

He said: "We have a young lad who has just come out of rehab who has two hours a week, while he is playing football, when he doesn't think about crack.

"Drinkers leave their bottles of cider at the side of the pitch while they are playing football." John, 29, an ex-publican, moved to Oxford from Swindon for building work, but due to the high cost of accommodation in the city fell into arrears and moved into the Night Shelter.

Tony Weeks, 38, of Hill Top Road, stayed in the Oxford Night Shelter for eight weeks.

He ran two miles with a Night Shelter worker.

Mr Weeks said: "Football puts a smile on people's faces.

"The day centre has had so much bad press, but not all the people who stay there are scum.

"We're trying to show we can give something back to help other people."

The team has already got money for football kit from the city council.

Mr Weeks said the kit was essential for people who stay at the shelter, as they often had only one set of clothes.

Darren, 36, of Bartlemas Road, Oxford, who used to stay at the Night Shelter, cycled 10 miles of the triathlon with Gary French, the resettlement manager.

Mr French said: "It went very well. "We all enjoyed ourselves a lot and have raised about £600.

"We also hope a company will come forward to sponsor us."

To sponsor the team, call the Oxford Night Shelter on 01865 250153.