Our very own David Beckham took to the pitch…
Director, James Botterill, has been playing football since a young lad having played for Barwell FC Under 10’s, Hinckley Town FC Under 18’s and representing Leicester County from ages 17 to 19.
When at school, James and his buddies also played for Barwell Junior School in the 6-a-side league and got to the regional finals. They were 10 seconds away from securing a place in the national finals, with the chance to play at Wembley on the morning of the same day as the FA Cup Final, when the other team scored! A cruel desolation of their dream but what an amazing achievement for 11-year-olds.
On his return from university at age 24, he joined Barwell FC and played until he retired from serious football at 30. After hanging his boots up, the passion for the beautiful game never left him or his fellow teammates. So, they formed their own ‘team’ and the same 6 players from the history making Barwell Junior School playing days, still play 6 aside every Monday night 40 years later.
Charity football matches are always great fun, so this year it was decided for an 11-a-side match to go all out and rather than hold it at a local ground, to hold it at none other than the King Power Stadium, home to Leicester City Football Club!
With the chance of a lifetime to appear on the same hallowed turf as The Foxes, a team of mixed ages and abilities was assembled including James, and a specially named ‘Hobbs FC’ team was formed, taking on The Barry Sawbridge XI team.
The players walked out to glorious applause from their fans, and with the Hobbs FC team donned in HSSP sponsored kit, they looked the part too.
Nick and Ros from HSSP went along to support James, as did his family, with much clapping and cheering encouraging everyone along. With a full size pitch there is a lot of ground to cover but the Hobbs FC team did themselves proud winning 6-5.
It was a fantastically feel-good event – even Filbert Fox joined in the camaraderie to much delight of the crowds. From the proceeds of the match and the raffle, the teams raised a whopping £4,084.72 for charity. A brilliant achievement – well done everyone.
By HSSP Architects
