Play for Arroyo Caracoles: A Day of Football, Fun, and Community Spirit

Group photo before the first games kick off

We did it! The Play for Arroyo Caracoles charity football tournament was a tremendous success, thanks to the incredible support and enthusiasm from all of you! 🎉 In this blog post, we want to share some of the highlights and express our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this event truly memorable.

On a warm Saturday in East London, the tournament brought together 8 women's teams and 18 men's teams, all competing fiercely and showcasing their skills on the pitch. With a total of 53 games, the fixture ran seamlessly, thanks to Salsa's out-of-this-world excel spreadsheet. In fact, someone even said, "the person who made that Excel needs a job at NASA"! The accurate scheduling ensured fair play and thrilling matches throughout the day.

The energy was electric as the finals unfolded. In the men's final, last year's runners-up Barrilete Cósmico emerged victorious against CSD Larringey, showcasing their determination and skill. In the women's final, The Reverendas claimed a well-deserved victory against Olympia Infinity FC, leaving spectators in awe of their talent and teamwork.

Around 300 people, including families and friends, came together to support the tournament and spend a fabulous day immersed in the spirit of community. Laughter, cheers, and applause filled the air as players displayed their passion for the game and supporters cheered them on. Everyone participated in a fun raffle to win the Aston Villa FC ball signed by all the players, including Dibu Martínez!

The mouth-watering aroma of the parrilla filled the air, enticing everyone to indulge in delicious grilled delicacies. Alongside, the delightful array of cakes and sweet desserts added a touch of sweetness to the day. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the non-stop parrilla team and those who cooked and donated these delectable treats, making our event even more special.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our fantastic team of referees who ensured fair play and upheld the spirit of the game throughout the tournament. Their dedication and professionalism were invaluable in creating an enjoyable and competitive atmosphere for all participants.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to our sponsors: La Malafamera giving away tickets for their party, Chango Empanadas for those fantastic combos, Casa Argentina picnic grill pack, YFood delicious protein bars, Socios.com amazing football prizes, A10 Removals (aka Flete Raul) for helping with logistics, and Varsha’s physio massages in situ. 

A special thanks to Sofi for capturing the essence of the event through her exceptional photography. To Celia, the kindest nurse we know, who helped us assist injured players. And to Juanpe who kept the day up with his lively music and his sound support. All of their generous support helped make this event possible, and we are truly grateful for their commitment to the cause. 

Thanks to everyone's incredible support, we have raised a substantial amount of funds for the Escuela Arroyo Caracoles, exceeding last year’s fundraiser. While we are still finalising the numbers, we are delighted to announce that we have surpassed the £11,000 mark! These funds will make a significant difference, providing basic clothing for the children, school and learning materials, and much-needed supplies to improve the school infrastructure.

Lastly, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed, participated, and supported the Play for Arroyo Caracoles tournament. Your presence, positive energy, and generosity have made a lasting impact on the lives of the children and families in the Escuela Arroyo Caracoles community.

Together, we have shown the power of football and community spirit in creating positive change. Let's continue to support each other and make a difference in the world, one goal at a time!

Angie

On behalf of the Play for Arroyo Caracoles Team