A homeless football team from Belfast rubbed shoulders with Man City boss Pep Guardiola during a big tournament in Manchester recently.
Guardiola took time out of City's hectic Premier League and Champions League schedule to meet some of the players and officials competing at the Salvation Army's Partnership Trophy.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss joined forces with Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson to give encouragement and top tips to the 300 players competing.
Now in its ninth year, the 5-a-side football tournament brought together 25 teams from The Salvation Army’s lifehouses (hostels) and homelessness support services across the UK.
For the first time victims of modern slavery who are supported by The Salvation Army also took part.
The team who took part from Belfast were from Centenary House and finished second place in the main tournament, just losing out to Connect Manchester.
“Football, fun and solidarity," Guardiola said.
"This is an extraordinary tournament. The Salvation Army are doing an amazing job - they are heroes.
“Congratulations to all the teams that took part. I wish everyone all the best for the future.”
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.
Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .
