'It captures the city's spirit': University of Portsmouth charity football match raises thousands
Thousands of pounds have been raised following a charity football match
Now in its seventh year, the University of Portsmouth’s Charity Football Match returned to Fratton Park over the bank holiday (May 4).
The match, which is now in its seventh year, welcomed more than 500 spectators and raised over £11,000 for two local charities.
With students and staff having won three matches each, the final game settled the tie with the staff team claiming victory, and a final score of 2-1.
Paul Tilley, the University’s director of sport and recreation, said: “Seven years in, this event continues to grow and the pride we feel in what students and staff achieve together is immense.
“The atmosphere at Fratton Park is something special every time - it's one of those occasions that truly captures the spirit of our University and our city. Raising money for Pompey in the Community and the Portsmouth Futures Fund means this match leaves a real legacy beyond the final whistle.”
Having collectively raised more than £67,000 over the years, this event brought the grand total to £78,204. A raffle held in the Victory Lounge also raised additional funds, with prizes donated by local and regional businesses including Portsmouth Football Club, Delta Force Paintballing, Village Hotel, Kings Theatre, and many others.
The funds raised will support the ongoing work of Pompey in the Community (PitC), which uses sport to engage and uplift people of all ages, and the Portsmouth Futures Fund, which provides life-changing financial support to students in need.
Clare Martin MBE, head of marketing, fundraising and commercial partners at Pompey in the Community, added: “This is exactly what community is all about. We’re hugely thankful to the University of Portsmouth for supporting Pompey in the Community. It’s inspiring to see so many people coming together, having fun, and raising money for a cause that supports so many across the city.”
For the second year running, the match, which was organised by the University’s Sport and Recreation team at Ravelin Sports Centre, was played as a mixed-gender game.
Speaking after the match, she said: “They say you can’t recreate a great moment, but they're wrong. Playing for the staff team again was just as rewarding as the first time.
“Of course, the win was the icing on the cake, but what truly made the day special was the people: the coaches, the student team, the staff team, the organisers, and everyone who came out to support. Thank you to everyone involved for making it another memorable day.”
Students were encouraged to volunteer at the event, providing practical skills and gaining work experience at a Championship football ground. Students operated the cameras that were used to show the game on the big screen, using the PA for key messages as well as taking pitch-side photography and promoting on social media.
Student co-captain, Kate Robertson, added: “It’s safe to say Jay and I selected the dream team, who have put an incredible effort into fundraising for Pompey in the Community alongside our relentless training block - which has flown by.
“This has been an incredible end to my four years with the University, and it’s safe to say I will be back at Fratton Park for next year’s match.”