Footballers graced the home of Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town and helped raise more than £10,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The exclusive five-a-side tournament took place on the main pitch at Portman Road and was organised by UK Top 50 law firm Birketts.
A dozen teams came together and battled it out for the coveted winner’s trophy, with the eventual victors being One Group Construction.
In total, the tournament raised £20,250, which will be equally split between EACH and Ipswich Town Foundation – the charitable arm of Ipswich Town Football Club, which provides activities to improve the health, skills, opportunities and lives of people across Suffolk.
Anna Bruce, EACH’s Senior Corporate Fundraiser for Suffolk and East Essex, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Birketts for organising this fantastic tournament at Portman Road.
“Our sincere thanks also go to the individuals, teams and businesses that signed up and took part, helping make it another memorable and successful day.
“Bringing together so many people for an afternoon of friendly competition is a wonderful way to support our work and raise awareness.
“The generosity, enthusiasm and community spirit shown by everyone involved was inspiring, and every pound raised will help us continue delivering vital care and support to children, young people and families across East Anglia.”
The tournament took place on Wednesday afternoon, and, in addition to teams from Birketts, EACH, Ipswich Town Foundation and One Group Construction, there were sides representing Associated British Ports, Barnes Construction, BUUK United, Denbury Groundbreakers, Killik and Co, OCS and Untypical Anglia/Hopkins Homes.
The top goal-scorer and player-of-the-tournament was Jack Wass, from Killik & Co.
Oliver Crichton, Partner in Birketts’ Commercial Real Estate Team, said: “We were delighted to host our annual charity football tournament at Ipswich Town and raise over £20,000 for the Ipswich Town Foundation and EACH – both local charities doing incredible work in our community.
“It was a real treat to sample the Premier League facilities, including the immaculate Portman Road playing surface. The tournament was keenly contested with plenty of talent on show and played in a fantastic spirit.
“A big thank you to all at Ipswich Town and to our amazing clients who entered teams and made it such a memorable day.”
