IN VIDEO and PICTURES: West Bromwich Albion U21s help the homeless
Homeless people were gifted with much-needed living essentials from West Bromwich Albion players during a charitable hand out.
Stars of the under 21 side presented bags to people living rough in Birmingham, with blankets, warming clothing and trainers among the items given out.
It was part of an initiative set up by team manger Jimmy Shan to help members of the community.
The hand-out was led by the under 21 boss, club coach and former player Darren Moore.
Mr Shan said: "I saw something on social media last year where a young lad had cleared out his wardrobe and taken the clothes down to a homeless shelter.
"I thought that was a tremendous gesture and when this December came around I started doing the same myself.
"But I thought it would be nice to involve the boys and when I told them the idea they were all for it.
"That's how it began. Everyone had a clear-out and off we went.
"I think the exercise had a massive impact on them as well. There was a nice reaction from the people we gave the clothes to and they really appreciated the gesture.
"But all the players were saying how good it made them feel to have helped.
"The lads told me it was a great feeling.
"There is a massive message for us all there."
The members from the under 21 team were filmed during their tour, and the footage was then posted on their Twitter account.
The acts of kindness were well received by fans, who took to social media to praise their efforts.
Mother-of-three Gemma Downes said: "Well done all, I am so proud of my club - you are the best."
Stuart Hunt said: "Brilliant guys, modern day footballers get bad press sometimes but this is different class."
Diane Rai added: "This makes me very proud of my club. And very sad for those folks on the street. Well done my WBA."
Homelessness remains a major problem both nationally and in the West Midlands.
Charity Crisis, which support single homeless people nationwide, has warned that a quarter of homeless people will face being alone this Christmas.
In Birmingham, homeless rates still largely exceed other cities including Manchester and Liverpool.
