Over 160 footballers from 18 businesses took part in a charity football tournament to raise vital funds to support people experiencing homelessness. The Oasis Cup, homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing’s annual mixed five-a-side football tournament held at Gateshead International Stadium, raised an incredible £10,400 to support men, women and children experiencing homelessness.
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The 22 teams who competed for the trophy comprised of players from businesses including: Zentia UK ltd, Atkins Realis, Stagecoach (Newcastle and Sunderland), Komatsu UK, Sweeney Miller Law, Naylors Gavin Black, Northeast Young Dad’s and Lads, EQUANS UK, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, Lovell Partnerships, Karbon Homes, Gentoo Group, ISOLER, Consultiv Utilities, Bowmer+Kirkland, Callerton Kitchen and Interiors, and Amazon (MME1 and MME2).
The event also benefitted from the support of wonderful volunteers from businesses, including EQUANS UK, Gateshead College and our very own Experts by Experience group who dedicated their time to help on the day. Lunch was provided for the players courtesy of Fat Hippo.
Team awards
After a day of footballing action it was Gentoo Group who came out on top, securing victory after a nail-biting final against Karbon Homes which ended 1-0.
Josh Sutton, Gentoo Customer Voice Partner who played in Gentoo’s winning team, said “The Oasis Cup is a fantastic event. I’ve played for two years running now and love the atmosphere. The event provides a brilliant opportunity for people of all footballing abilities to take part in a competitive, fun football tournament whilst raising money for a great cause.
“At Gentoo, we are proud to be part of events like this to strengthen partnerships with other people in the housing sector and get together to raise vital funds and awareness to tackle homelessness. We support Oasis Community Housings’ mission to deliver life changing support to people who are homeless and believe everyone has a right to a safe and secure home.
“We’re all looking forward to playing again next year in the hope we can contribute to raising further funds and retain the trophy!”
Other awards were presented on the day including the Team Spirit Award which was deservedly won by the team from Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, and the Player of the Tournament and Top Goal Scorer which were both won by Tom Hunter from the excellent Gentoo Group team.
Unfortunately, it was the team from Naylors Gavin Black who took home the trophy nobody wanted – the dreaded ‘sweaty sock’ award!
What the support means
Hazel Ditchburn, Corporate Relationships Manager at Oasis Community Housing, explained that “The Oasis Cup is always such a special event for businesses in the region to come together, and 2024’s tournament was no different.
“As well as being a great day of football and fundraising there was also a real sense community. Without the involvement of these wonderful and generous businesses we would not be able to continue supporting the men, women and young people experiencing homelessness across our projects.”
Plans are already underway for The Oasis Cup 2025 which takes place on Friday 19 September. Does your business have what it takes to take home the trophy?