WORLD CUP-ON-SEA RAISES £27,000 FOR HARP!

On Saturday 21st May, 32 local businesses competed at Roots Hall in the 7-a-side football tournament. World Cup-on-Sea, raising a huge £27k (and counting!) for HARP.

The 2nd edition of the event, which was last held in 2019 and then postponed for two years due to the pandemic, was a huge success, with Colchester based accountancy firm Scrutton Bland walking away with the 2022 World Cup-on-Sea trophy having beaten Academy Insurance 1-0 in the hard-fought final.

Funds were raised by teams paying an entry fee to play in the tournament, and many of the businesses involved raised money through their own office based fundraising initiatives.

Spectators were able to watch the action, and take part in family-friendly activities including face painting, beat the goalie and even a surprise visit from the Southend Ghostbusters!

Jackie Bliss, Chief Executive of HARP, said: “World Cup-on-Sea 2022 was a huge success with an amazing atmosphere, excellent family-based activities and some truly impressive footballing performances! To cap it off, all those who took part or attended have contributed towards raising a significant sum which will help us in our work helping local people to overcome or avoid homelessness.”

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to organisers AJ Chambers, event sponsors Couno, pitch sponsors Academy Insurance and Estuary Housing, Southend United for use of the facilities for the day, HARP’s fundraising team and amazing volunteers, and last but not least all of the businesses and players who took part and made the day so special!”

Andy Hilliard, Managing Director of Rochford based recruitment agency AJ Chambers who organised the event, said: “'World Cup-on-Sea 2022 proved to be a brilliant family orientated football day at the prestigious Roots Hall. I want to extend my thanks to the 32 local businesses participating in this charity football tournament, plus those who attended and helped us raise a significant amount for HARP - these vital funds will provide crucial support to help local people overcome homelessness. A huge thank you to Couno for sponsoring the event and Estuary Housing Association and Academy Insurance Services Ltd - one of the finalists - for sponsoring the pitches. There were some brilliant football performances on display from the 32 teams, and a massive congratulations to Scrutton Bland for lifting the 2022 trophy at the end of the day. We look forward to planning an even bigger and better event next year with our charity partner, HARP; see you all again at World Cup-On-Sea 2023!"

We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in this event. You are all helping local homeless people overcome homelessness for good.