They shoot, they score a huge win for Bluebell Wood

31st May 2019

Back of the net! Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice scored with its first ever fundraising footie tournament The event was staged on Rotherham United's pitch at the New York Stadium and team places sold out within 24 hours.

The four local companies who snapped up the chance to showcase their employees' soccer skills had a ball - and raised over £4,500 for the hospice. The event was so popular, it looks set to become a fixture on the hospice's fundraising calendar - only bigger and better. -The event was absolutely fantastic. Money raised will help to make a big difference to families facing the toughest of times across the region. -There were goals galore, with two Doncaster teams battling it out in a fabulous final which saw Omexom Power Solutions lift the trophy, said David Hall, Bluebell Wood's corporate fundraiser. -Next year, as Euro 2020 has the nation gripped, we aim to stage our own mega Bluebell Wood tournament with ten teams competing in an all-day event, added David, who played in goal for the hospice's own team, made up of staff and corporate supporters. -We would like to thank all our corporate supporters who took part, particularly Hodge Clemco. The Sheffield industrial equipment manufacturer made the whole thing possible. As shirt sponsor for RUFC they are able to use the pitch once a year and chose to donate that opportunity to us. All teams paid to play, a silent auction and raffle boosted funds, and a £600 donation was made by Spencer Thompson, Omexom's general manager, who had pledged £25 for every goal his team scored. Bluebell lost its first two matches with a dismal 8-1 and 7-1, but rallied late to beat Hodge Clemco 6-0. Said David: -Bluebell's star player was definitely not me. I let in three goals from three shots. That accolade went to Nathan Scott, a manager for Proact IT in Chesterfield. -But Man of The Match was undoubtedly Alex Peterson, who scored both goals in the final for Omexom to beat Doncaster's Ecofficiency Waste Management 2-0 to the trophy. Alex's early goal was a brilliant shot which soared into the net from the halfway line. Andy Blyth, of Omexon, commented: -It was a great event. Playing on a pitch usually reserved for professional football was a great honour. We were delighted to win and will return to defend our title. Thanks also go to hospice volunteers who manned the event, shirt sponsors Street CraneXpress Ltd, programme sponsors Omexom, plus Newfox IT and M.S. Sport who provided the trophy and winners' medals. To find out about Bluebell Wood events and how to fundraise, visit www.bluebellwood.org.