Darren Scott Charity
When we first organised our Charity Football Tournament four years ago, our aim was simple: to bring together local engineering and manufacturing businesses for a day of friendly competition while raising money for worthwhile causes.
Four years later, we're incredibly proud to say that, thanks to the generosity of our clients, partners and local businesses, the tournament has now raised £20,000 for charity.
This year's event, held at Ashby Leisure Centre, welcomed ten teams from across Leicestershire's engineering and manufacturing community for another fantastic day of competitive 6-a-side football, fundraising and networking. Together, the 2026 tournament raised a further £6,340, with proceeds supporting LOROS Hospice and Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support.
The day featured teams from Advanex, Sella Controls, Clarendon Specialty Fasteners, Premtech, Euro Projects Recruitment, Journeo, Reabrook, Siemens and MacDermid Alpha, who battled through the group stages before an exciting knockout phase. Congratulations to long-standing participants Clarendon Specialty Fasteners, who were crowned champions after defeating our own Euro Projects Recruitment team in the final.
While there was plenty of healthy competition on the pitch, the event has always been about much more than football. It provides an opportunity for businesses across our industry to come together, catch up with familiar faces, make new connections and, most importantly, support charities that make a genuine difference within our local communities.
Players and supporters also enjoyed complimentary pizza and refreshments throughout the day, helping create the friendly atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the tournament.
Edward Smith from Euro Projects Recruitment said:
"When we started this tournament, we hoped it would become something the local engineering and manufacturing community would get behind, but to have now raised £20,000 for charity is beyond anything we imagined. We're incredibly grateful to every business that has entered a team, donated or supported the event over the last four years. It's a fantastic example of what can be achieved when our local business community comes together for a great cause."
This year's chosen charities continue the tournament's tradition of supporting organisations that provide invaluable care and support within our communities. LOROS Hospice delivers compassionate end-of-life care for patients and families across Leicestershire and Rutland, while Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support is the UK's only charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by hereditary brain aneurysms.
Looking back over the past four years, we're incredibly proud of how the tournament has grown. What began as a small charity football competition has become a well-supported annual event that continues to unite local businesses while raising thousands of pounds for causes that matter.
A huge thank you to every team, sponsor, supporter and volunteer who has helped make the tournament such a success. We're already looking forward to doing it all again in 2027.