Football Tournament Raises Vital Funds for People in Horticulture

Perennial’s Kick for a Cause football tournament returned at the end of May, raising nearly £4,000 to support people facing challenges in horticulture, including grounds teams.

The event brought together seven five-a-side teams for a day of friendly competition at Fulham FC’s training ground in Surrey and provided a unique opportunity for turf and grounds specialists to step onto a top-class facility and enjoy the game from the other side.

The Knickerbocker Glorys - the grounds team from Fulham FC Training Ground, were joined by teams from Consolidate Turf, Grange Travel, ICL, Litchfield & Fox, London Lawn Turf and Neville Stein Horticultural Business Consultancy.

Stan Hayden, Deputy Head of Grounds at Fulham FC Training Ground, said: "We’re proud to host this event. This is about more than just football; it’s about supporting each other and raising awareness of the incredible work Perennial does. If just one person reaches out for support, this event has been a success."

After a series of closely contested matches, ICL All Stars faced hosts The Knickerbocker Glorys in the final. A dramatic goal in the closing seconds secured a 1-0 victory for the All Stars.

Aimee Davey, Marketing Communications Manager for ICL Turf & Landscape UK & Ireland, said: "Perennial provides invaluable support to people working across horticulture and landscaping, often during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. We are proud to support a charity that delivers practical help and guidance to those who need it most. The Kick for a Cause tournament was a fantastic example of our industries coming together to support an important cause, and we were delighted to be involved."

Following the presentation of winners’ and runners-up medals, players and supporters celebrated with pizza and refreshments after a day of football in the sunshine.

New for this year were the Golden Boot and Golden Hands awards, recognising the tournament’s top scorer and goalkeeper. Both honours were claimed by members of the ICL All Stars squad.

Chief Executive of Perennial, Jamie Gault commented “We’re delighted to have raised nearly £4,000 through this event. This helps support the delivery of our services and also helps raise Perennial’s profile – the only UK Charity to support all those in horticulture. Thank you to those who supported Perennial through taking part, sponsorship and promotion of this fun, annual event. Don’t forget the charity is here to support you, whether you need help with a specific issue or are facing one of life's bigger challenges, Perennial is here for you.”

Perennial would like to specifically thank Stan Hayden and the team at Fulham FC Training Ground for hosting and helping to make the event possible, event sponsor ICL, and raffle prize donors Banstead Downs Golf Club, Denbies Wine Estate, Turf Matters, Fulham FC, Ken Myers and Sussex Seed Balls.