A FOOTBALL team of reformed criminals, addicts and the homeless is going from strength to strength.

The charity Streets Revolution was set up in Oxford four years ago to use sport to engage with marginalised adults and youngsters.

Since then its seven-a-side A-team has twice won the Premier Division of the Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Inclusive League.

It also added to its trophy cabinet when it won the Streets Revolution Inclusion Cup in Croydon on June 9.

The people it works with include former drug dealers, gang members and people with mental health problems.

Among those it has helped is Ricardo Baker, 48, who served 15 years for robbery and firearms offences in London before he moved to Oxford in 2002.

Mr Baker started volunteering with Streets Revolution a year ago and is now a coach and referee.

He said: “I believe it has prepared me for the world of work and how to get along with other people.”

Mr Baker also works as a market trader in Oxford and gives talks to school pupils about keeping away from crime.

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