A BOLTON teenager who was forced to sleep on friends' sofas after leaving home has captained the homeless England football team at a tournament in Portugal.

Waqas Zulfikar was selected to be part of the Homeless Team England squad which took part in a street soccer tournament in Braga.

The former Essa Academy pupil, who grew up in Great Lever, played as goalkeeper and performed heroics between the sticks, saving two penalties during one match.

The team played against a group of local ex-pros and the town’s mayor, and all of the participating teams, all of whom have experienced homelessness in the last year, were paraded through the town led by a drumming troupe.

The 18-year-old said: "It is amazing — it has been absolutely unreal to play for my country."

The teenager left home aged 17, after experiencing difficulties with his parents, and then began to 'sofa surf' with friends.

Mr Zulfikar said: "I never really had a relationship with my parents from a young age, and when I was 17 I started sofa surfing after leaving.

"I got involved with a homeless group in Bolton and they got behind me, and I have now got a place of my own in Farnworth and am getting back on my feet."

He previously completed the Homeless FA’s Training Centre programme with Manchester City, and was called up to the national team after being invited to a four-day training camp at St George's Park, the FA's National Football Centre.

As part of the preparation for the tournament, the team completed a surprise training session with former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp, who passed expert advice and words of encouragement to the players.

Players for the national homeless team have all experienced homelessness or social exclusion, and selection is not based on a player’s footballing ability, but instead on their positive attitude, teamwork and personal skills.

Gareth Parker, head of the Homeless FA, said: “This year’s Team England squad is an incredibly inspiring group of people who have overcome, and in some cases are still overcoming, huge challenges in their lives.

“Playing for your country is a huge honour and each of these players has earned this opportunity. But it is not all about the football.

"Our Team England players have been selected not because of their ability on the pitch, but because they have demonstrated positive attitude, commitment, and organisational skills, whilst improving their physical health and confidence.

"They have already achieved so much, and I can’t wait to see them progress and realise their incredible potential.”