14 teams representing RAF Coningsby, RAF Waddington, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Axis Electronics, Eagle Eye Innovations, Frazer-Nash, Astute Electronics and MBDA battled it out on the pitch. The 9-a-side tournament saw teams divided into groups, with the strongest progressing to the main ‘Vase’ competition, while others competed for the ‘Shield’.
In a thrilling Vase final, Leonardo Edinburgh faced off against MBDA. The high-intensity match saw Leonardo Edinburgh emerge victorious with a narrow 1-0 win.
The Shield final delivered its own share of excitement, featuring RAF Waddington and Boston United Vets. In a closely contested match that went to penalties, RAF Waddington held their nerve to claim the Shield.
The successful event was a joint initiative by the Leonardo Luton Charity Committee and the Leonardo Luton Football team. Kai Irwin, Leonardo Football Operations Manager for the event said:
“What a belter of a day at the LNER stadium in Lincoln. Fourteen teams made up of defence companies and RAF sites left it all on the pitch showing real grit, determination, and team spirit from the first whistle to the last. It was clear – everyone came to play. Tackles were flying in (some timed better than others), team talks were full of tactical wisdom (and questionable metaphors), and the referees somehow kept their cool through it all. It wasn’t just about goals and glory – it was about coming together for a great cause. Huge thanks to all who played, cheered, organised, refereed, and limped home afterwards. Everyone gave it 110%, left it all on the pitch, and proved once again that football is always the winner."
The football tournament was the highlight of a six-month-long staff fundraising drive across Leonardo’s Luton and Lincoln sites for Dementia UK, which has also included popular bake sales, quiz nights, summer BBQ and an internal 'Soccer Sixes' football tournament. Further events are planned throughout the year, adding to the already incredible total of over £10,000 for the charity. These include a car wash, a Halloween bake sale and quiz in October, and a Winter Ball in November.
Dementia UK, which offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for families living with dementia, was selected as the chosen charity by the Luton committee through an internal voting process from a list of ten charities. This initiative mirrors similar charitable efforts across Leonardo sites, such as the Yeovil site's support for #ANDYSMANCLUB.
Zak, a member of the Leonardo Luton Charity Committee, said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part in our charity football tournament in Lincoln. There were heroic saves, last-minute screamers, and at least three nutmegs that may never be forgotten (mainly because they’re still being talked about in the group chats). Behind the laughs, sliding tackles, and suspiciously competitive five-minute warm-ups, there was a serious goal, raising money for Dementia UK, our chosen charity. We’ve helped fund the incredible work of Admiral Nurses who support families living with dementia. Football might’ve been the excuse, but the impact is real and we couldn’t be prouder of what everyone involved achieved on and off the pitch. Same time next year? Start stretching now”
Joanna Sullivan, Deputy Director of Fundraising at Dementia UK said: “We’re grateful for the fundraising efforts of staff at Leonardo. Their commitment will help us reach more people affected by dementia across the UK through our Admiral Nurses, who offer practical and emotional support to anyone affected by the condition.”
