ALWAYS fancied a kickabout at a Premier League stadium?

Tradespeople now have the chance, thanks to a charity football tournament raising money this summer.

The tournament will take place at Stamford Bridge stadium, the home of Premier League giants Chelsea on the 25 May from 09:00-12:00.

Hosted by IronmongeryDirect, it will be the UK’s first ever inter-trade football tournament, with teams representing several occupations.

The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (13-19 May) is movement, and the campaign aims to highlight the benefits of exercise on people’s wellbeing.

There are 48 spaces available and tradespeople can apply to play online on the IronmongeryDirect website.

Money raised from the event will be donated to Mind, the mental health charity. IronmongeryDirect has already donated over £13,000 to support their vital services over the last few years.

Play Football

Selected players will be required to fundraise for Mind, and there will also be activities on the day. These will include penalty shootouts, where more money can be raised, with IronmongeryDirect making donations for each successful attempt.

Players will be arranged into squads based on their trade, representing the most common occupations:

Roofers and scaffolders
Builders
Plumbers
Electricians
Carpenters and joiners
All other trades

The tournament is being launched alongside IronmongeryDirect’s annual Mental Health in the Trades report. This surveys tradespeople across the country to reveal the scale of mental health problems in the industry.

It found that more than four in five (82%) workers have experienced symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, due to work.

The Cost of Living crisis (34%) and the rising cost of materials (32%) are the leading causes of concern, as they were last year. But poor work-life balance (24%) is now also among the top issues.

Ellis Osborn, Ecommerce Manager at IronmongeryDirect, said: “We’re delighted to offer tradespeople the exciting opportunity to play at Stamford Bridge, and get the full Premier League experience!

“It should be a really fun event and hopefully a great day for all involved, but it’s important to remember the reasons behind the campaign, and emphasise how much exercise can benefit your mental health.

“Mental health problems are unfortunately prevalent across the industry, and that’s why we’re continuing to raise awareness, and encourage tradespeople to seek support if needed.”

Find out more about the charity tournament at Stamford Bridge and apply to play.

>> Read more charity news here

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