The Big Goal: A Unifying Initiative for ICT Companies
ICT companies from across the country recently gathered at St George’s Park to jointly launch ‘The Big Goal’ alongside the organisers of the new initiative, the Street Soccer Foundation.
The Big Goal will see staff working in the ICT industry represent their workplaces in a national football tournament, while raising money for the Street Soccer Foundation, and specifically our acclaimed Academy programme.
Collaboration and Inspiration: Kick-Off at St George’s Park
Back in October, representatives from some of the firms taking part, including TalkTalk Wholesale and Sky Business, met at the Home of English Football in Staffordshire to hear about how Street Soccer Foundation Academies have changed lives.
They listened to the stories of previous academy participants, who had completed the programme and were shown a presentation about the aims of The Big Goal, which is headline sponsored by Giacom.
A Champion's Perspective: Danny Simpson’s Involvement
Former Premier League winner Danny Simpson, who was part of the 2015/16 title-winning Leicester City team, also spoke to the audience about the challenges he had faced in his life and how football can bring about positive change, as a Street Soccer Foundation Patron.
Sponsorship and Participation: Building Community through Football
At the event, ICT companies in attendance had the chance to become sponsors for Street Soccer Academies, which are run in partnership with football club community organisations across the country and cover employability workshops, mentoring, positive mindset training and football coaching.
Through their sponsorship, ICT firms will be able to enter a team into The Big Goal tournament, which will start with regional five-a-side tournaments at Premier League and English Football League venues between March and April next year.
The finalists in the regional tournaments will then take part in a national finals day at St George’s Park next summer, where they will compete to become The Big Goal National Champions.
Impacting Lives: Beyond the Football Field
Their Big Goal entry fees will cover academy places for up to 10 vulnerable or disadvantaged young people.
After the academy programmes have been completed, the sponsors will have the opportunity to meet the participants they have supported and potentially offer them the chance to gain further work experience at their company.
A Vision for the Future: Words from the Founder
Keith Mabbutt, CEO and Founder of the Street Soccer Foundation, said: “The Big Goal is an industry first, where we are uniting one of the largest sectors in the country through the power of of the global number one sport, helping to tackle one of the biggest social issues in the country. I’m so incredibly touched by the amazing response we’ve already had from companies who have shown their commitment and registered to take part and be involved. Roll on 2024 where we intend on helping hundreds of young lives through the new and exciting initiative.”
Giacom is the headline sponsor of The Big Goal and Comms Dealer is the initiative’s media partner.
For more details visit www.thebiggoal.co.uk