Inverclyde Recovery Cup is bringing the community together

Ten teams took part in the Inverclyde Recovery Cup at Lady Octavia Park to mark the annual Recovery Month.

The tournament has been organised and hosted by the Jericho Society for the last three years.

Ten teams took part in the tournament. (Image: George Munro)

Michael Trail, manager of the Jericho Project's men's house, said: "It was a great day. The police were overall winners and the The Haven won the 'best of the rest' trophy."

Jericho has been operating in Greenock for 22 years and Michael has been the manager since 2011.

He says  exercise plays a major role in residents' journey of recovery.

"We dedicate time to holistic care of the mind, body and spirit," he continued, "and physical fitness is part of that.

"Energy breeds energy."

The women's house opened in 2015 and between both an amazing 1,200 people completed the 12-step programme.

The programme provides a structured and gradual process of recovery.

It works by helping people to change the thoughts, behaviours and relationships related to addiction.

The process involves admitting you have a problem, seeking help from others, making amends for past harms, and living a sober and responsible life.

Michael says the causes of drug addiction are complex and Jericho offers counselling to deal with adverse childhood trauma which is at the root of many people's problems.

Other factors includes the link between addiction and poverty.

Michael said: "Inverclyde has the third highest level of multiple deprivation and the third highest in drug related deaths."

The teams taking part were Jericho, Police Scotland, Moving On, Inverclyde Faith in Throughcare, Your Voice, The Haven, New Scots, Greenock FC, Street Connect, and Alcohol and Recovery Drugs Service at Wellpark, who took part for the first time.

It is hoped that with the ARDS Wellpark on board they will be able to run the football festival every quarter instead of once a year.