Why it matters: Five teams have signed up but 11 spaces remain in the 16-team tournament, with the £2,800 fundraising target able to fund counselling services, wellbeing support and outreach programmes that help people before they reach crisis point.
The details: The tournament takes place on Friday, 10 April, at Goals Ipswich and has attracted four businesses so far: East of England Co-op, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Larking Gowen and Honey & Harvey.
Each team is guaranteed a minimum of four matches, with all equipment provided. The event runs from 11:30-16:00, with entry costing £180 per team plus VAT.
What they're saying: George Pennell, managing director at Vivo Clean, which was founded in 2021 and employs over 100 cleaners, said: "Over the past few years, local businesses have faced a lot - pressure, uncertainty, and a real strain on people personally as well as professionally. We wanted to create something positive that brings businesses together in a relaxed, fun way, but with real purpose behind it."
"Football is a great leveller and it gets people talking, moving, laughing," Pennell added. "We felt now was the right time to turn that into something that genuinely gives back to the community."
On the choice of Suffolk Mind, he said: "Mental health is something that affects everyone, whether directly or through someone they care about, and Suffolk Mind do incredible work right here in our community. We wanted the money raised to stay local and make a tangible difference, and Suffolk Mind are on the frontline every day supporting people when they need it most."
He emphasised participation matters more than ability: "You don't need to be a five-a-side superstar - it's about taking part, showing support, and helping us make a positive impact across Suffolk."
The bottom line: A local cleaning firm is bringing Ipswich businesses together to do something tangible about workplace mental health pressures – play football, raise funds for crisis prevention, and directly fund Suffolk Mind's frontline counselling and crisis prevention work.
To participate, contact hello@vivoclean.co.uk.
