A five-a-side football tournament organised by Siren Craft Brew employees has raised more than £1,000 for two projects in the Arborfield community.
The winning Siren production team
The brewers were joined by footballers from local clubs at Farley Hill Primary School, and raised money for the local Royal British Legion food bank and the Arborfield Aces youth football team benevolent fund.
Organised by Siren’s warehouse manager and budding Mikel Arteta, Louis Coulbeck, the tournament featured 11 teams in two groups, with a semi-final and final. The games were played in front of an eager crowd, Siren’s production team beating the warehouse team on penalties. A ‘fastest shot’ competition was won by Alex Laskey with a strike measured at 69 mph.
Afterwards, players and supporters were treated to free beer and a trophy presentation at Siren’s Tap Yard. Arborfield Aces Parents won the Fair Play award, while goalkeeper Luke Toth was named player of the tournament.
“The tournament came from wanting to give back to our community,” said Louis. “We supported two causes, the Arborfield Aces Youth Football Team Development Fund, which helps subsidise kids’ football at the club for those that need it, and the Royal British Legion foodbank, which is the only hot foodbank in the area.
“We had great backing from everyone at Siren, so much so we were able to field four teams, which helped us raise a lot of money. But huge credit as well to the other teams that made it such a brilliant, fun, and competitive afternoon. The teams were all mixed age and gender, from ages 16 to 62.”
