This fantastic event saw 26 teams, each comprising eight players, come together for a day of friendly competition and fun. With over 250 participants, the event was a testament to the local community's dedication to supporting those in need.
The tournament featured both competitive and non-competitive teams, with ten competitive and 16 non-competitive squads taking to the field. Each team played four games, each lasting 20 minutes, before progressing to the knock-out stages. The intensity of the matches was palpable, culminating in thrilling finales where the winners and runners-up were awarded trophies and plates, respectively.
The winning teams on the day were as follows:
Competitive Cup – AFC Fishbourne
Competitive Plate – Don’t Give a Schnitzel
Social Cup – SP United
Social Plate – Stonepillow Breen Machine Greens
The success of the event was bolstered by the support of local businesses, including the main sponsor Knights Brown who generously supported the tournament and advertised in the event programme. Their contributions were crucial in ensuring the day ran smoothly and helped maximise the funds raised for Stonepillow. Participants also contributed by paying an entry fee, with all proceeds going directly to the charity.
In addition to the football matches, the event offered a variety of activities that made it a truly family-friendly affair. Attendees enjoyed live music, bouncy castles, a delicious barbecue and face painting, providing entertainment for all ages. All of this ensured that even those not participating in the football games had a memorable and enjoyable day.
The Stonepillow football tournament highlighted the power of community and sport in bringing people together for a worthy cause. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting Stonepillow's mission to aid the homeless population in West Sussex. The charity provides essential services such as shelter, support and recovery programmes, and the amazing £3,747 raised will go towards funding Stonepillow’s Bognor Regis Day Hub, which costs the charity £50,000 a year to run and which supports over 400 clients a year.
Pathfinder West Sussex applauds Stonepillow for their incredible efforts and thanks all participants, sponsors and attendees for their support in making this event a resounding success.
