FirmBalls hits a hattrick for charity at the Amex
7th June 2023
Author EditorPosted on Categories Charity
FirmBalls, the business that connects people and companies through the power of sport, has staged its fifth annual seven-a-side tournament at the American Express Community Stadium, home to Brighton and Hove Albion FC.
This was the first event since 2019 as the 2020 tournament was postponed due to the pandemic. This year’s event, sponsored by headline sponsors Carpenter Box and co-sponsors Rubix VT, saw 16 companies, comprising 160 players from across the FirmBalls network and beyond come together to battle it out for the famous FirmBalls Cup.
Through some very tight group stages, the quarter finals and semi finals were just as tight with only a goal separating some of the teams. By the time the competition reached the semi finals, we saw SO Legal get narrowly beaten by co-sponsors Rubix VT 1-0. Whilst one of the top teams in the FirmBalls Eastbourne league, Speclay Ltd beat our current Falmer League champions Volks FC 1-0 to set up a fantastic final.
Again, the game was very tight, with end to end football, but it was Speclay Ltd who took the advantage and went 1-0 up to secure the FirmBalls Cup.
FirmBalls Managing Director, Sam Thomas said. “This is one of the highlights of the FirmBalls calendar and I was overwhelmed with peoples support after finally returning after four years away.
“The whole day was played in such great spirits allowing many players to live their dream of playing on a premier league pitch. It was also wonderful to add the penalty shoot out element as a new addition to the day that allowed some of the young kids to come and score at the Amex like many of their heroes.
“To top this we also were able to support three great charities, The Carpenter Box Foundation, Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and The Starr Trust and help raise much needed funds.”
As well as the 160 players, many of the companies’ teams and colleagues came to watch and support along with their children to make the event a truly family filled spectacle.
Sam added: “I would like to thank our headline sponsors Carpenter Box, our co-sponsors Rubix VT, the team at BHAFC, especially Jack Joyce and Ben Stephenson, our Photographer Stephen Lawrence, Snap it Now, our videographer, Ryan Alfonso from Alfonso Visuals, the FirmBalls Team, Mike Jeffries, Chris Weller, Tony Carmody, Ian Lane, Wayne Pocock as well as assistance from Toby Graves at TPG Sports Events. And finally all the teams and companies for participating and making it a day to remember.”
The event is due to return in 2024 and anyone interested in securing an early bird space can do so by contacting sam@firmballs.com or visiting