Dozens of footballers helped kick poverty into touch last weekend by taking part in a fundraising tournament to support orphan care around the world. They raised over £1,600, which will go on to care for orphans in places like Palestine, Pakistan and The Gambia.
The ‘Cup of Champions’ 6-a-side tournament took place in Redditch on Sunday 22nd May in aid of OrphanKind, the orphan care and education programme operated by international humanitarian charity Penny Appeal.
People came from far and wide to compete, with teams from Birmingham, Coventry, Stoke, London and Loughborough displaying their skills on the pitch. Jameel Hussain and Qasim Hafiz’s team ‘Incredibles’ took the trophy, beating the Penny Appeal ‘#TeamOrange’ players 2-0 in the final.
Rizwan Khan, one of the Redditch Cup of Champions Organising Team, said: “This was our 9th Cup of Champions tournament and we’re delighted that it was another massive success. It’s great to combine charity and football and our thanks go to everyone involved, from the organisers and players to all the sponsors and partners: GP Boxing, Hewell Road Tyres, LTW Network Marketing, Pete Lopeman Photography and Caspian Pizza of Redditch.”
Haroon Mota, Midlands Fundraising Manager for Penny Appeal, added: “Football and fundraising are fantastic ways to unite people and it was wonderful to see so many coming together to help orphans and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
“Penny Appeal’s OrphanKind programme works around the world, giving orphans an education, healthy meals each day, clothes and healthcare, plus a safe home where they live with a loving foster mother, and the money raised will go a long way towards creating brighter futures away from poverty.”
Donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/OrphanKindCofCTourny
Find out more about Penny Appeal and sponsor an orphan for just 50p a day at www.pennyappeal.org or by calling 03000 11 11 11.
