A benevolent soccer game pitting lawmakers against reporters generated a substantial sum for aspiring competitors in Britain. The contest, a meeting of heavyweights (and perhaps a few individuals requiring additional training!), was coordinated by the Wagering and Gaming Commission and unfolded at Queen Park Rangers’ Loftus Road arena. This year marked a significant milestone – the golden jubilee of the occasion!
Prominent figures in British government donned their cleats, including the London Chief Executive, Sadiq Khan, and former Shadow Exchequer Secretary Ed Balls. They confronted a squad of veteran correspondents, encompassing familiar visages from platforms such as LBC and The Times.
The ultimate tally? A decisive win for the reporters, who prevailed 4-1. More significantly, the gathering amassed over £50,000 for SportsAid, an organization that backs young athletes in Britain. These contributions will be vital in aiding these emerging talents in realizing their aspirations, particularly in this Olympic and Paralympic year!
Michael Dugher, the departing BGC head and current acting Chair, noted that the Parliament versus Lobby soccer match, commemorating its golden anniversary, was made even more remarkable by bet365’s charitable contribution to SportsAid. He quipped that the initial period was perhaps the poorest display of soccer he’d ever seen, expressing compassion for announcer Stewart Pears who had recently returned from broadcasting a Real Madrid match! In summary, Dugher highlighted the pleasure of reuniting with companions and associates for such a deserving purpose.