UKGC Charity Football Match Nets Over £50,000 for SportsAid
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) latest charitable soccer game was a major triumph, generating in excess of £50,000 for SportsAid.
The game, hosted at Queens Park Rangers’ Loftus Road grounds, marked the 50th iteration of the fixture and pitted a team of Members of Parliament against Lobby Reporters.
Backed by UKGC member firm bet365, the event garnered a remarkable sum that will substantially aid young athletes throughout the UK.
The MPs squad, led by ex-Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, encountered stiff opposition from the seasoned Journalists eleven.
Prominent political figures like London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, and former Foreign Secretary David Miliband suited up for the MPs. The Journalists fielded a formidable team, featuring LBC’s Ben Kentish and The Times’ Home Editor Matt Dathan.
In the end, the Journalists emerged triumphant with a 4-1 victory over the MPs.
SportsAid’s Chief Executive, Tim Lawler, conveyed his appreciation for the event: “On behalf of everyone at SportsAid, a massive thank you to all who participated. It’s a momentous year for this legendary match and the amount raised is incredibly impactful!
“These funds will bolster SportsAid’s objective to motivate, enable, and equip the upcoming generation of British athletic talent, which feels even more crucial in an Olympic and Paralympic year.”
The Lobby’s 50th anniversary game versus Parliament saw a tremendous turnout, and bet365’s sizable contribution made it even more memorable,” remarked Michael Dugher, the departing BGC Chief Executive and current Chair. “Their support will significantly benefit SportsAid.”
He quipped, “That first half may have been the most dreadful 45 minutes of football I’ve ever witnessed – I truly sympathized with poor Stewart Pearce, who informed me he had just finished providing commentary on Real Madrid a few days prior!”
Dugher continued, “However, it was a delightful evening overall. It was a pleasure reconnecting with numerous old acquaintances and coworkers, all while generating funds for a deserving organization.”