Member Article

Beyond Housing colleagues take regional success to the next level in 5-a-side football competition

In August 2023, 16 colleagues from Beyond Housing entered two squads to compete in the Business Fives Summer Season Football Tournament, which raises much needed funds for deserving charities.

One of the eight player squads, made up from colleagues Michael Kirkham, Shaun Porritt, Mark Ward, Shaun Nixon, John Park, Tom Harris, Chris Brown and Michael Brown, brought home the winner’s trophy at the Tees Valley regional stage of the competition, with the jubilant players winning a place in the national final and picking up the Golden Glove Award along with the Highest Scorer and Player of the Final accolades.

The national final, taking place at the Powerleague Manchester Central venue, saw teams competing for a place in one of three leagues before progressing to group matches and the eventual knockout stage.

The Beyond Housing players made a flying start, emphatically winning their group before being narrowly beaten during the knockout phase.

Middlesbrough-based charity, MAIN – Taking Autism Personally, has a mission to help local people living with a range of disabilities by giving them the skills they need to live an independent life, while having fun and making friends. Which in turn gives their parents/carers a break from their caring roles.

Since the start of the tournament, the Beyond Housing colleagues have raised £1,200 for the charity.

Michael Kirkham, Capital Works Chargehand at Beyond Housing and football team member, said: “It’s been great to take part, winning the Middlesbrough tournament, and turning in a very respectable performance in the final, while raising much needed cash for MAIN. A great result for the charity and for all our players.”

Rachel Docherty, HR Partner at Beyond Housing, said: “We’re all incredibly proud of everyone involved in the five-a-side teams, who have raised an incredible amount of money for such an important charity. We’re passionate about our colleagues’ wellbeing and being part of the team has been a great way to support men’s physical and mental health, providing an opportunity to stay active, socialise and have fun.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .