The Sellick Partnership's fourteenth annual charity football tournament, where companies field their best 5-a-side squads, made its grand return on Friday 26 September – and we had not one but two teams in the mix.
The foyer and canteen area of Leisure United, Derby Racecourse was full of would-be footballers from various businesses. For all the competitors, this would prove to be quite an unusual, but exciting, Friday afternoon – with some members of the PA Housing team travelling up from the South to make the date. While the spirit of competition was in the air, everybody was aware of the true reason for the event.
Me & Dee Charity
The organisers and representatives from the Me & Dee Charity set the mood for the proceedings by giving details about some of the amazing work they do to help families where the parents or children have life-threatening illnesses or conditions. As well as working alongside bereavement teams, a key part of their work is creating memories with the families – including fun experience days, sports, and stuffed elephant toys that play voice clips so families never forget the sound of their loved ones' voices.
With a clear sense of what they were playing for in mind, the teams made their way onto the pitches for an afternoon of teamwork… and showing off with a few flashy skills.
Although this was for charity, that didn't mean it was without the drama or the twists and turns you'd expect from a football tournament. The teams did well, winning one qualifying group and coming second in another.
Unfortunately, by the time one of the PA Housing teams had reached the semi-final, fatigue was beginning to set in and our team captains picked up minor injuries that ruled them out of playing.
Unable to capitalise on a penalty, lacking key players, and up against a very capable side put together by software developers, MHR, the semi-final is where PA sadly bowed out of the tournament. However, the performances of our team throughout and their excellent communication on the pitch were commendable.
Finally
In the final, the Sellick Partnership put in a spirited performance against MHR, with two wonder goals in quick succession. However, MHR had too much for them in the end and took home the trophy for the second year running with a 4-2 victory. PA gave them a good run for their money and so there’s cause for optimism for next year!
Not everybody at PA came home empty-handed though as there was a charity raffle at the end where one colleague was the proud recipient of a goodies hamper. At least somebody from PA was celebrating in style that night.
Everybody had a fantastic time, despite not coming home with the gold. And even better, the event raised £2,500 for Me & Dee so families can create lasting memories.
Bring on next year for more drama, thrills, skills, spills, but most importantly, for another amazing communal effort to raise money for charity.
