Man City: Rico Lewis on faith, football and tackling homelessness

For 21-year-old Lewis – who announced his marriage to Ameliia took place on Tuesday – belief has manifested in an outward change, not only in his relationship but in how he perceives the world.

“Since I’ve become a man of faith, I’ve become more conscious of people’s suffering,” he said.

“I walk through Manchester, realising how many people are struggling with homelessness. It’s impossible to know why each person is in the situation they’re in, but I’ve always wanted to help those who are helpless.”

His home city has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the UK.

A report published in December by homelessness support charity Shelter found that Manchester has nearly 10,000 people who are homeless and living in temporary accommodation, equating to one in every 61 people.

Lewis decided he needed to do something about it, so, alongside local rapper Nemzzz, he decided to host a football tournament to raise money for homelessness charities in Manchester.

“I was going to do something to help anyway – a donation or a food delivery service – but me and my friends have done football tournaments in the past,” he said.

“Bringing both together, uniting people in Manchester, and raising awareness – as well as raising money – felt the best way to accomplish our goal.”