Advertisement

World Cup-on-Sea raises £27,000 for leading homeless charity

Celebrating - Scrutton Bland. Credit: Graham Whitby Boot Photography.
Celebrating - Scrutton Bland. Credit: Graham Whitby Boot Photography.

A COMMUNITY football tournament has helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for a leading homeless charity in Southend

The World Cup-on-Sea saw 32 businesses set-up teams and compete at Roots Hall in a seven-a-side football tournament to raise money for HARP.

Organisers say the event has already raised a staggering £27,000 and expect the total to keep on rising.

Funds were raised by teams paying an entry fee to play in the tournament, while spectators watching from the stands also paid an admission fee.

READ MORE >> 'Judge must come and visit our Archie in hospital before deciding his future'

Jackie Bliss, chief exec of HARP, said this money will help Southend continue to tackle homelessness.

She said: “The World Cup-on-Sea was a huge success with an amazing atmosphere, excellent family-based activities, and some truly impressive footballing performances.

“To cap it off, all those who took part or attended have contributed towards raising a significant sum, which will help us in our work helping local people to overcome or avoid homelessness.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to organisers AJ Chambers, event sponsors Couno, pitch sponsors Academy Insurance and Estuary Housing, Southend United for us of the facilities for the day, HARP’s fundraising team and amazing volunteers, and last but not least all of the businesses and players who took part and made the day so special.”

This was the second time this event had been held, with the first back in 2019 before the pandemic.

This year's winners were Colchester based accountancy firm, Scrutton Bland, who beat Academy Insurance 1-0 in the final.

The participating business were: Academy Insurance, AJ Chambers, Andrew Skinner Wealth Management, BTMK, Calford Seaden, Castlenau, Central FX, Couno, Dedman Gray, Ecovis, Essex Police, GK Pro, HARP, Haslers, Ipeco, Lambert Chapman, London Process Centre, MWS, Power Testing, Readie Construction, Refaktor IT, Rickard Luckin, Scrutton Bland, Seetec, Segrave & Partners, SUFC Staff, THS Concepts, and White Stores.

Andy Hilliard, managing director of agency AJ Chamber which organised the event, said: “World Cup-on-Sea proved to be a brilliant family orientated football day at the prestigious Roots Hall.

“I want to extend my thanks to the 32 businesses participating in this charity football tournament, plus those who attended and helped us raise a significant amount for HARP as these vital funds will provide crucial support to help people overcome homelessness.”

HARP say they are already planning the 2023 event and have vowed to make it "bigger and better".