Last Friday 12 teams from across the East Midlands and beyond took part in 2fawcett’s annual charity football event at Derby Rugby Club. The event in aid of our charity partners Support Dogs helps people living with Disability, Epilepsy and Autism. Ahead of the 7-a-side football tournament, the teams were split into 2 groups – Group A and Group B.
The Group Stage
Group A was dominated by three teams – Yusen Logistics, Unilin Group, 2fawcett Recruitment. Yusen Logistics won their group for the third year in a row, finishing with 12 points. Closely followed by Unilin on 11 points, who were the only team to beat Yusen (3-0) in the Group Stage games. Back to back reigning champions 2fawcett Recruitment lead the group most of the way, until they dropped down to 3rd after a 3-0 defeat in their final group game against Yusen Logistics.
The other three teams in Group A – Intermotor, Shawpak and XMA, had a battle on their hands to claim the final qualifying spot to reach the knockout stages. All three teams gave it everything, but it was Shawpak who took 4th place on 5pts. Over the past 4 events, Shawpak were the first team ever to play in white shirts to make it past the group stage! Previous team to play in white have never made it to the knockout stages.
Group B on the other hand was a very close group. Whilst Invictus Communications topped the group having lead from start to finish after winning all of their group stage games to comfortably go through to the Quarter Finals. It was a show down between B&K Hybrid Solutions Charcoal & Green teams, PPS, Premtech and Travall UK to progress to the knockout stages. Sadly, Travall UK struggled to find momentum and finished the day on 0pts having lost all 5 games. But they were all smiles and have expressed they’ll be back next year to go one better!
The other 4 teams chasing a place in the Quarter Finals had to give it their all to get through. Leicestershire based company Premtech finished the day on 9pts claiming 2nd spot. They were closely followed by PPS on 8pts, and it was a battle between B&K Charcoal and B&K Green for 4th. This was the first year we saw a B&K Hybrid Solutions derby game take place. It was B&K Green who took the bragging rights and vital 3pts that claimed them a place in the knockout stages.
Quarter Finals
Group A winners Yusen Logistics, took on their old rivals B&K Green Team. In both 2022 and 2023 B&K progressed to the Semi Finals having beaten Yusen on penalties in both games. Would we see history repeat itself yet again? Sadly for B&K Green it wasn’t to be as Yusen progressed after a 1-0 win.
Undefeated Group B winners Invictus Communications, took on Shawpak in their Semi final. After a tough battle, Invictus’ unbeaten run would continue into the Semi Finals after a 2-0 victory.
Group A runners up Unilin had a tough test as they played a highly talented PPS side. Both teams had chances to go in front but it was PPS who progressed to the next round of the competition winning 2-0.
Finally, Group B runners up Premtech faced 2fawcett in their Semi Final. This was a close game, however, it was the defending champions who would go through to the Semi Finals after a 1-0 victory.
Semi Finals
Top seeds Invictus Communications were just one game away from reaching their first final. They had to beat a team who had been their twice before – 2fawcett Recruitment! Another great battle as both teams gave it everything to reach the final. However it was 2fawcett who were on course for the Triple Crown after a 1-0 victory.
Yusen Logistics surprisingly had never reached the Semi Finals before. Nor had their opponents PPS who were competing in their debut 2fawcett Charity Football Tournament this year. So who would play 2fawcett in the final? Well, after a close game, Yusen just had an extra gear as they progressed to the final, winning 2-0.
The Final
3 years in the making, this was a Final that had been eagley anticipating by many. Yusen in their royal blue colours verses the pink attire of 2fawcett. Most of the lads at Yusen Logistics had already picked up silverware for their respected club teams, now, could they do it for the company too? On the other hand 2fawcett had been here twice before, could they do it again surely? As the teams headed out onto the pitch, the supporters made their way down to the pitch to watch this years Final.
2fawcett won the toss and as the referee blew his whistle the 2024 Final was underway! In the early stages Yusen kept hold of possession but were nearly punished after a counter attack by 2fawcett. Both keepers were on top form as the game finished on 0-0. This meant one thing… Penalties!
Going into the shootout, 2fawcett had only lost 1 out of 5 penalty shootouts in 4 years. Whilst Yusen Logistics’ record was 2 shootouts, 2 defeats. Could this be their year or would 2fawcett make it three years in a row as undefeated champions?
2fawcett won the toss and went first, up stepped Danny James hoping to get 2fawcett off to a good start, but his shot was saved by Yusen keeper Tommy Gotheridge! Next up for Yusen was Tom Gerson, a great penalty slotted home to go 1-0 up. Kyle Hazeldine was next up for 2fawcett, as he gave them their first goal in the shootout after hitting top bins! (1-1) The fight back was on! Having already saved a penalty, Tommy Gotheridge was confident in his ability from the spot, but his shot was saved by his fellow number, Dan Fowler in the 2fawcett goal! (1-1) Could Ashley Robinson give 2fawcett the lead? His shot was saved also by the Yusen keeper! (1-1) Meaning it was advantage to the team in blue! Next up was Jordan Lee who made it 2-1 to Yusen! The pressure was on, could the 2fawcett team captain, Tim Rowson give them a life line and keep them in the penalty shootout? Sadly his effort clipped the top of the cross bar and it was now down to Rory Davis to slot home the winning penalty. He made no mistake of it as Yusen Logistics claimed the 2024 title!
Thank you!
“This event is one of our favourite corporate charity events to attend. With over 400 people here in attendance, blue sky’s and lots of happy faces (and sore legs no doubt!), 2fawcett really do go above and beyond! The money raised today will go a long way in changing peoples lives and we thank everyone who has took part today. It’s always a pleasure to attend the 2fawcett Charity 7-a-side Football Tournament each year and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2025!”
Chris Daykin, Support Dogs UK
“Each year our annual charity fund raising event gets bigger and better! Not only is it a great way to network with other local businesses, it’s also fantastic that together we can raise money for an excellent charity and most of all change peoples lives. We’ve raised over £13,000 in 4 years thanks to everyones support. A big thank you to our Marketing Manager, Tim Rowson, who puts this event on each year, and also to the rest of the team at 2fawcett for making sure the event runs smoothly!”
Anna-Maria Bains, MD of 2fawcett Recruitment
“Firstly, a huge congratulations to Yusen Logistics. These guys have always been a credit to themselves and the company, and are very worthy winners. We look forward to welcoming them back next year, along with all of the teams (both new and old) who have took part this year. Without you we couldn’t put this event on, so thank you for getting involved. A big thank you to everyone who donated and bought tickets for our popular raffle draw also! Lastly, I can’t forget the guys in the office who have helped me put this event on – Abby, Amaan and Charlotte especially for their help with printing and packing all of the team kits!”
Tim Rowson, Marketing Manager at 2fawcett Recruitment
On behalf of everyone at 2fawcett Recruitment we’d like to thank everyone who attended our annual charity football event. And we look forward to welcoming you all back in 2025!
