Play2Give, founded by Andy Baker to continue fundraising for Oxford Children’s Hospital, smashed previous records at its fourteenth annual football tournament on Sunday 13 July – raising an incredible £7,455 in a single day.
The much-loved community event, held at Wallingford Sports Park, brought together 18 teams comprising businesses, charities, friends, and local groups, all united by a shared goal: to change, transform, and save lives through sport.
The football tournament, which began as a school fundraising project in 2007, is one of the standout fixtures in the charity’s growing calendar of events. It honours Andy’s lifelong mission to give back to the hospital that saved his life more than once
The journey began over two decades ago when 14-year-old Andy set out to raise £500 as a pupil at St Birinus School. Since then, that personal campaign has grown into a full-fledged charitable movement that has raised around £600,000 for over 40 causes.
This year’s football tournament, held on the hottest day of the year so far, was not only Play2Give’s most successful to date but also one of its most vibrant. The event attracted hundreds of supporters to Wallingford Sports Park, where 180 players across 18 teams battled it out in a lively six-a-side competition. Teams travelled from across Oxfordshire and beyond, with players coming from as far as Hampshire and Kent to take part.
What started as a small football fundraiser has now become one of the most anticipated events in Play2Give’s calendar. The tournament reflects the charity’s core mission: to bring the community together through fun, inclusive events that raise vital funds for children, health, and disability causes.
Among the many teams taking part this year were businesses based across South Oxfordshire, including Explosive Learning Solutions (Harwell Campus), ATA Logistics and ATA Sameday (Southmead Industrial Estate, Didcot), Planet IT and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Milton Park), and fellow charity The Cornermen. Alongside these were community teams like the Didcot 26s, captained by local dad Alex Denham, whose daughter Mia-Rose is treated at Oxford Children’s Hospital for a heart condition and autism.
Alex, along with his father and friend Lewis from the Hardly Athletic squad, took the extra step to raise funds by braving the shave pitch-side before kick-off. Alex’s wife, Courtnay, who volunteers for Play2Give, wrote on their JustGiving page: “As Play2Give gives so much to the Children’s Hospital, we heavily support what they do. We thank Play2Give for everything.”
Creativity and dedication were hallmarks of this year’s fundraising efforts. Planet IT, led by staff member Joseph Grey, hosted a team bake-off and cake sale. Daniel Cadman of Explosive Learning Solutions dyed his hair blue and white to match his company’s colours.
Meanwhile, Hungry Horses’ captain Finn Bliss from Wantage, who was taking part for the first time, shaved his head and smashed his £500 fundraising target. “We had a wonderful day and couldn’t believe how well run the event was,” he said. “I even got compliments on the haircut – maybe Andy should join me with the Slim Shady look!”
ATA, which entered two teams, raised the highest amount of any group, contributing a phenomenal £2,185 including Gift Aid. They returned to the tournament after raising over £1,300 last year and were awarded the top fundraising team trophy on the day. Writing after the event, the Didcot-based company said: “It was more than just football – it was community, giving back, and creating memories that’ll last well beyond the final whistle.”
Explosive Learning Solutions shared: “Our team played hard, winning four games and losing four, finishing fifth in our group. Despite not advancing, we were thrilled to be part of such a fantastic event that raised over £7,455 for local causes. We can’t wait for next year!”
Reflecting on the day, Play2Give founder Andy Baker, said:
“We would love to say a massive thank you to all of the teams, sponsors, supporters and suppliers who helped to make this year’s event the very best, and of course a big thank you to the venue and all of the event team and officials including the refs who worked so hard.
“We are amazed by the amount raised, which is just incredible; it’s made all the hard work, long hours and worries worthwhile. We are all inspired by those teams that set out to raise funds in such a brilliant way, with such ingenuity and passion, and we’re inspired and blown away.
“Thank you to our community for making the Play2Give football tournament 2025 a memorable one in more ways than one, and the very best one.”
Funds raised at the tournament support Play2Give’s mission to make a difference to those in need, with a particular focus on causes close to Andy’s heart. Last year, the charity donated more than £3,200 to Oxford Head Injury Services to help create a sensory room at its rehabilitation centre in Kennington. Once completed, the room will be named “Andy’s Room” in recognition of Play2Give’s support and Andy’s own long-standing relationship with the organisation.
Play2Give has now raised nearly £600,000 since its formation, supporting over 40 charities and individuals through community events, raffles, tombolas, bake sales, and its annual festive gift appeal, Sleigh2Give. Andy, who was born with a brain injury and later underwent life-changing brain surgery, began fundraising aged 14 while still a pupil at St Birinus School.
Now 37, and honoured with an MBE for his charitable work, Andy continues to inspire others with his unwavering commitment to giving back.
To donate and support Play2Give’s mission of changing, transforming, and saving lives, visit justgiving.com/play2give
