A foster family from Heywood have shared how their love of football has helped build strong relationships and a sense of belonging for the young people they care for.
Lauren and Danny Sullivan have been fostering with Rochdale Borough Council since 2012 and say the game has become a daily part of family life.
Lauren, 46, and Danny, 52, currently care for five young men aged between 12 and 21 alongside their nine year old son, Daniel.
While each of the children has their own interests, football is the activity that brings everyone together. From coaching and training during the week to refereeing and playing matches at weekends, the family say the sport has helped create close bonds between everyone in the household.
Lauren said "They'll all come home after school, college or work, and Daniel will ask them for a game.
"It's so lovely to see the smiles on their faces when they're all playing together in the back garden."
The family say football has also helped children settle into their new home. They recalled holding a Champions League final party to welcome the first child they cared for on a long term basis when he was 10 years old.
Danny said "We made it his 'Welcome to the family' party, with extended relatives coming round to meet him and watch the football together so the football made it less overwhelming for him."
The couple have become particularly experienced in supporting teenage boys, with Danny working as a football coach and professional scout. One 17 year old in their care has already gained coaching qualifications, become a grassroots coach and qualified as a referee with the family's support.
Danny said "He will come home from coaching, and we will sit down and talk through what he did and what techniques he could try next week.
"The bond we have is fantastic and he is a great role model for the young ones in the house."
Another 17 year old joined the family speaking only French. Lauren said football quickly broke down the language barrier.
She said "As soon as he heard the lads playing in the garden, leathering the ball against the fence, I could tell he was into football.
"After we had shown him around the house, I asked if he wanted to join in with the lads and he said 'yeah', so while we were in the front room with his social worker, he was out there speaking the international language of football and having a kickabout."
The young person now plays for a local football team and has also had the opportunity to play at Rochdale AFC's Crown Oil Arena.
Lauren said she hopes more people will consider becoming foster carers.
She said "Sadly, there are so many young people who are in the care system and would flourish with the care, love, support and nurture that foster carers provide and you can really change their life.
"You feel grateful that you've been able to give them that opportunity."
Councillor Rachel Massey, Rochdale Borough Council's cabinet member for children’s services and education, said "Lauren and Danny's story is a wonderful example of the life changing difference foster carers make to young people across our borough.
"Their home is built on care, stability and a sense of belonging, and it's heartwarming to see how a shared love of football can help bring a family together and I really hope this can inspire more people to consider the difference they can make by fostering."
The council, which is part of Foster for Greater Manchester, is encouraging anyone aged over 21 with a spare room to find out more about becoming a foster carer. People can contact the fostering team on 0300 303 0321 for further information.
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