Firefighters from across Hampshire and Isle of Wight kicked off a football tournament on Saturday to raise money for charity.
There were 12 teams participating in the 7-a-side competition at Eastleigh’s Stoneham Lane Football Complex.
Different watches and stations entered teams, including a side representing the fire service based at Southampton Airport.
The players and spectators raised an incredible £1,200, with the two trophies on offer named after the two worthy causes, The Fire Fighters Charity and Harlee’s Angels.
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.
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 Southsea team beat off competition from Havant to lift the Harlee’s Angels trophy, with Redbridge winning against Eastleigh to claim the Firefighters Charity Cup.
Firefighter Ben Taylor from Red Watch at Hightown Fire Station organised the tournament. He said:
“Once again it was a brilliant day with all the teams and players getting into the spirit to raise money for two important charities
“Following the success of last year’s event we wanted to follow it up and once again show our support with another exciting and competitive tournament.
“There are so many people and teams to thank for the organisation of today’s event including the team from 3SFire who sponsored the tournament and presented the medals.
“I want to acknowledge the staff here at Stoneham Lane Football Complex as well as Mark Forbes, the Head of Kit and Equipment at Southampton FC who provided the footballs.
“Thank you to the HIWFRS Engagement Officer Jason Evans, and his son Isaac for refereeing, as well as to Ashley Simmonds and Ben Collar for being our official photographer.”
The event was supported by 3SFire CIC, with their team on hand to present the trophies and medals.
Photos taken by Ashley Simmonds (@hampshire_frp) and Ben Collar (Hampshire_emergency_videos).
