Chefs' Football, an annual charity five-a-side tournament, took place on Sunday 10 July at Birmingham’s Star City, raising £4,561 for Farm Africa’s work in eastern Africa.
The tournament, generously sponsored by Lime Recruit, saw some of the UK’s best-loved Michelin-starred restaurants and food suppliers compete alongside prominent businesses from the food and hospitality industries, all to support farmers living in eastern Africa.
After a three-year hiatus, it was a fantastic turn out with over 100 players taking part in tense matches in the gruelling summer sun.
"We were thrilled to sponsor Chefs’ Football. Not only are we providing money to great causes, but it also allows us to be involved with giving a bit of fun and respite to professionals who are working harder than ever in extremely challenging times for our industry. We look forward to seeing everyone next year, refreshed, recovered and ready to win back our crown (whisk)." - Chris Goodson, Managing Director at Lime Recruit, Chefs’ Football event sponsor.
This year’s semi-finalists were Heaneys, 670 Grams, Aubrey Allen and RH Amar. Heaneys restaurant and RH Amar sailed through to the final, where Heaneys fought hard to win the title. But at the final whistle RH Amar proved too strong a side, beating Heaneys in the final by three goals to two. Congratulations RH Amar!
"RH Amar loved every minute of this event, friendly teams, great sports and the Farm Africa team are all lovely!" – Tim Brady, Operations Director at RH Amar, Chefs’ Football champions.
Competitor teams in the 2022 tournament included Adam’s Restaurant, Lovage Restaurant, The Man Behind The Curtain, Salt, Hickory’s Smokehouse, House of Tides and Lime Recruit.
"We had the absolute best day, great cause, great people, great tans, questionable fitness levels." - Michael O’Hare, Owner and Head Chef at The Man Behind The Curtain.
It was the eighth year of the tournament, co-organised by the award-winning chef, Paul Foster. Paul, owner and Head Chef of Salt in Stratford-upon-Avon, has raised over £26,000 at the event since the football tournament began in 2013.
"Bringing back Chefs’ Football has been my highlight of the year. Our industry is incredible when it comes together over important causes and to witness it again on behalf of Farm Africa was a brilliant experience. Long may it continue," - Paul Foster.
This year included the addition of a crossbar challenge, with a prize of two tickets to an England match at Wembley!
"Chefs’ football demonstrates the food industry’s commitment to tackling poverty in rural Africa. A massive thanks to all of the teams who took part this year, Lime Recruit, our brilliant sponsors and especially to Paul Foster, who works so hard each year to make it all happen," commented Steph Armstrong, Farm Africa’s Events & Partnerships Officer.
