Sellick Partnership's 14th Charity Football Tournament: sport, community and giving back

On Friday 26 September 2025, Sellick Partnership was proud to host the 14th Charity Football Tournament in support of me&dee. The energy was high as teams from across Derby came together for an afternoon of five-a-side action. 

The day kicked off at 1pm as teams arrived to register, warm up, and get into the competitive spirit. There was a real buzz around the pitches as colleagues and friends pulled on their kits and prepared for a lively afternoon of football. 

Throughout the tournament, there were some brilliant moments (both on and off the pitch) which kept everyone on their toes. It was fantastic to see teams giving their all while keeping the focus on why we were there: raising money for such an important cause. 

Sellick Partnership raised £2,500 for me&dee

me&dee is a charity close to our hearts, supporting families facing life-changing or limiting conditions to create precious, lasting memories together. Through this event, we aimed to raise both funds and awareness – because every penny helps families make moments that matter.

This year, we are delighted to share that we raised £2,500 for me&dee.

The charity’s founder, Maria Hanson MBE, spoke to us after the tournament and said: “We always say, while we need the money, it isn’t just about the money. When someone chooses you to fundraise for, that is a big decision. The fundraisers must believe in what you do, and how you do it, and that means more than we can ever say.”

Maria continued: “We have many events throughout the year, unique and personalised to families facing short or uncertain futures together, along with the many challenges that intensive aggressive treatment – and loss – can bring. 

“We always say, anyone can give something, anyone can do something, anyone can be a hero for me&dee and Sellick Partnership have certainly epitomised this.”

Nikki Kinsey, Group Director at Sellick Partnership and Trustee of me&dee added: “Supporting me&dee is hugely important to us because we can see first-hand the difference the charity makes to children and adults living with terminal and life-limiting conditions. 

“As a small, self-funded charity, every pound raised directly helps families create precious memories together. As a business we feel strongly about giving back to our community and partnering with an organisation whose impact is so tangible and meaningful aligns perfectly with our values.”

Speaking about the Tournament, Nikki said: “This year stood out for the amazing atmosphere and the level of enthusiasm from everyone involved. The camaraderie between teams, the effort people put in to fundraise, and the stories shared about how me&dee has supported families really highlighted why we do this every year.”

Celebrating our winners

This year’s tournament champions were MHR, who battled their way to victory in a nail-biting final match. Their energy and determination stood out throughout the afternoon, and they told us: “It felt great to be part of the tournament once again, and winning at the end was just the icing on the cake.”

We would also like to congratulate the plate winners, Chevin Fleet Solutions, and to everyone who played with enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

Tim Farnsworth, one of the event organisers from Sellick Partnership, said: “Events like this bring people together for a good cause. It’s not just about football, it’s about community, raising money, and making a difference for a really brilliant charity.”

Thank you to all

A huge thank you to all the teams who entered, to our supporters, volunteers, sponsors, and the whole Sellick Partnership team for coming together. It’s your involvement, goodwill, and energy that make this event possible year after year.

Also, a special thanks goes to Leisure United for hosting us, to our catering partners, raffle donors, and everyone behind the scenes.

The tournament was a brilliant celebration of teamwork, community and generosity, and it was fantastic to see so many people come together in support of me&dee. 

We are truly grateful for the support shown and proud to know that the money raised will go towards helping me&dee continue their incredible work with families across the region. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible: it was a day to remember.