The Big Goal Regional Finals brought moments of drama, brilliance and sportsmanship, as the ICT industry united to help change the lives of disadvantaged young people through football.
Tournament Highlights and Key Moments
Three five-a-side tournaments involving 44 teams representing ICT firms from across the country took place on three consecutive Fridays in April, with the 12 semi-finalists progressing to The Big Goal National Finals at St George’s Park on 1 November.
From spectacular strikes and nail-biting penalty shootouts to team-bonding camaraderie and last-gasp winners, the three Regional Finals had it all.
Beyond the Pitch: The Impact of The Big Goal
But The Big Goal is about far more than just what happens on the pitch, as each participating company is being partnered with a Street Soccer Academy run in partnership with a professional football community organisation in their local area.
As well as sponsoring the ten-week, football-inspired personal development programme for homeless and disadvantaged young adults, they can offer work-related advice and opportunities to the participants on the course to help them get into education, employment or training.
Southern Regional Finals at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust
At the Southern Regional Finals, held at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Focus Group were crowned champions after beating Gamma 1-0 in the final. Both those teams progressed to the Nationals, along with beaten semi-finalists Vorboss and InTEC Group.
Northern Regional Finals at AFC Sunderland’s Beacon of Light
A dramatic late goal at AFC Sunderland’s Beacon of Light saw Elite Group take home the Northern Regional Finals winners’ trophy, after a thrilling 5-4 victory over PXC in the final, while teams from Daisy Corporate Services and Firstcom Europe also qualified for the Nationals.
Midlands Regional Finals and Winners
In the Midlands Regional Finals, BDR Group won a hard-fought final 1-0 against Wavenet to make it through to St George’s Park, alongside semi-finalists Virgin Media Wholesale and a second Focus Group team, who lost to the eventual winners in a semi-final penalty shootout.
Testimonials and Reflections
Keith Mabbutt, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Street Soccer Foundation, said: “What an April it’s been, seeing the delivery of back-to-back Regional Finals for The Big Goal in the South, North and then Midlands.
“We’ve had 44 teams from across the country take part and it’s been a true coming together, that has really brought to life our #IndustryUnited approach with the campaign.
“Throughout the tournaments, we strived to get the message across to everyone participating that just by being there on the day their team represented a sponsored group of young people who will benefit from our Street Soccer Academy programme, which served as a real ‘playing for change’ opportunity.
“I’d also like to congratulate the 12 teams that have made it through to the National Finals at St George’s Park, which promises to cap an amazing pilot year of The Big Goal, and my particular thanks to our fantastic headline sponsors Giacom, media partners Comms Dealer, as well as to Sky Business Wholesale and Sky Sports.
“Their collective brilliant support of The Big Goal has been humbling. Roll on the Nationals!”
Terry O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of Giacom, said: “We are incredibly proud to be the headline sponsor for The Big Goal tournament, an exhilarating initiative that has united the channel in support of the Street Soccer Foundation.
“The regional tournaments showcased spectacular teamwork and sportsmanship, while also making significant strides in improving the lives of young people facing homelessness in our local communities.
“The success of The Big Goal underscores what can be achieved when we work together for a greater cause.”
Sky Business also supported the tournaments by sponsoring a presentation stage, goody bags for all participants, and the tournament footballs.
Sam Weller, Head of Sky Business Wholesale, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to play a part in the inaugural competition of The Big Goal.
“This initiative really has united our industry in a way that wouldn’t have been possible without such a fantastic and worthwhile cause.”
You can still sign up
Companies can sign up to join The Big Goal at any point and sponsor a Street Soccer Academy in their area. To find out more, visit the official website: www.thebiggoal.co.uk