With players still collecting sponsorship money, an exact figure is yet to be confirmed, but the tournament is expected to raise between £15,000-£20,000. Every penny of this will be spent on improving the education and living standards of vulnerable amputee children in West Africa.
The day kicked off with two separate tournaments – one for 7-10 year olds and another for 11-14 year olds. In the younger age group, it was the mature performances of Team Leo which saw them take home the trophy. In the 11-14 tournament, the slick passing of Santley United Youth proved too much for the opposition and they emerged victorious without dropping a point.
It was then the turn of the child amputees to grace the hallowed Upton Park turf. In a fiercely contested battle, Team Legacy came out 5-2 winners against Team Hope. The charity’s Ambassador, Sergeant Duncan Slater – the first double amputee to reach the South Pole – presented both teams with medals and named Cameron Newberry from Team Hope Man of the Match for his impressive double strike.
As daylight faded and the floodlights came on, many childhood dreams were fulfilled as the adults took to the field. In the six-team tournament there could, however, be only one winner. After a battling 1-0 final win, it was the team from Company Shop who held the coveted Hope Cup trophy aloft.
A selection of the photos from the day can be seen here and a video of the highlights will be coming soon.
Further information about Elizabeth’s Legacy of Hope and the work they do can be found here.