L&Q Living hosts charity football tournament with West Ham United Foundation
L&Q residents, staff and partners came together to reveal their footballing prowess at the West Ham United Community Foundation’s stadium on Thursday 30 September for an ‘exhilarating’ mental health football tournament.
The event attracted eight teams from companies including BPM, Calford Seaden, Higgins, Hill, Hunters and Martin Arnold, as well as L&Q Living FC, and L&Q staff teams. Higgins reigned supreme after beating Calford Seaden in the much-anticipated final.
The tournament was organised by L&Q to raise money for L&Q Living FC, a football team made up of residents with mental health needs. This year, an impressive total of over £5,000 was raised for the team to go towards new equipment, pitch fees, league registration and travel.
L&Q Living FC was set up in 2009 to give residents with mental health needs a chance to connect with others, build confidence and self-esteem, improve physical health, and gain transferable skills. The current squad, made up of male and female players aged 18-45, play in the London Mental Health League, and have earned an impressive track record as undefeated champions of Millwall Community Trust’s World Mental Health Day tournament.
L&Q Living offers dedicated care and support service houses for more than 6,500 people across London and the South East. Their support extends to people with mental health illnesses, learning disabilities, older and young people.
Angie Hooper, L&Q Director of Business Development and L&Q Living FC Committee chair, said:
"It was brilliant to bring everyone together for such a fun day and to have a chance to highlight the work we’re doing with L&Q Living FC. The event was a great success, not only because of the positive impact had on the day, but because that impact will continue over the coming year as L&Q Living FC go on to play and achieve more as both teams and individuals.
We are very grateful to all our corporate partners for taking part, as well as West Ham United Foundation for providing the venue and referees free of charge."
James Denman, Head of Service at L&Q Living, said:
“An exhilarating day was had at the annual L&Q Living FC fundraising tournament, one that was particularly special given that it couldn’t take place last year due to the pandemic.
L&Q Living FC is much more than just a football team – it gives people the confidence and tools to be able to cope in social situations, build relationships, have fun and be active. What began as a fledgling squad coming together to enjoy a kick-about, has now blossomed into a group of firm friends with a strong passion for the sport.”
Jonathan Atkins, one of L&Q Living FC’s players, said:
‘Being part of L&Q Living FC really empowers us. Instead of wasting away, we’ve got something constructive to do. It takes our minds of our problems and illnesses. The team is like a family - it’s fantastic playing together and knowing that everyone is there for each other.”