Firefighters kicked off a football tournament this weekend to raise money for charity.
There were 16 teams participating in the 7-a-side competition at Eastleigh’s Stoneham Lane Football Complex on Sunday.
Different watches and stations from across Hampshire and Isle of Wight entered teams, including a side representing the fire service based at Southampton Airport.
There were two trophies on offer with Cosham taking home the Harlee’s Angels Cup, and Havant awarded The Fire Fighters Charity Cup.
The Mayor of Eastleigh took to the terrace to cheer on the players and the fundraising.
The players and spectators raised an incredible £1,700, which will go to support two worthy charities, The Fire Fighters Charity and Harlee’s Angels.
Harlee’s Angels is a Southampton-based charity which was set up by Fern and Ryan Steele, whose son Harlee died in June 2020. They work to assist families in Hampshire following the sudden and unexpected death of a child .
The Fire Fighters Charity support more than 5,000 fire and rescue service employees each year who have been physically or psychologically impacted by their work.
Firefighters Ben Taylor and Gee Smith from Red Watch at Southsea Fire Station organised the tournament with help from the HIWFRS Men’s and Women’s football teams, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team and sponsorship from 3SFireCIC.
Ben Taylor said:
“It was a fantastic day with lots of people taking part and getting involved in the spirit of raising money for two important charities.
“Following the success of the match against the Unity 101 football team in December we wanted to do more to support our charities in a way where we could get as many people involved as possible.
“There was a real competitiveness between our station teams battling it out to be crowned the winners.
“We couldn’t have made today the success it was without the support of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team, as well as our sponsors at 3SFireCIC.”
“Thank you to Matt Meadus and all the staff at Stoneham Lane Football Complex for helping to ensure today ran smoothly and all their support with organising the event.”“Finally a thank you goes out to Ben & Ash from Hampshire Fire Rescue Photos and Hampshire Emergency Videos for photographing the competition.”“Following the success of the football tournament we’d love for more members to get involved with the Service Football Teams. HIWFRS has a men’s open age and veterans team, we also have a newly formed women’s team. If you are interested in joining these teams please contact Stu Botto or Mark Augustus for the men’s teams and Chloe Chalk for the women’s team.”
Ben, Gee and their Red Watch team are continuing on their fundraising mission with a 24-hour 360km bike ride around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in September.
There is still time for you to show your support and donate to help these two brilliant charities – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/southseareds2023.
Photos taken by Ashley Simmonds – @hampshire_frp