30 June 2022

Our colleagues take part in charity football match for 50th anniversary of Pride

We marked the 50th anniversary of Pride Month with a charity football match against local housing association Coastline Housing.
Two teams for charity football match celebrating Pride

The game which finished 3-0 to Coastline raised over nearly £150 for Ukraine LGBTQ+ charities with the match designed to encourage conversation and diversity amongst customers and colleagues.

The LiveWest SAGE (Sexual and Gender Equality) group hosted the event at Camborne College to bring people together and create an inclusive event that celebrates the month of Pride.

Charlotte Bond, LiveWest’s SAGE group lead committee member, said: “Coastline were fortunate to have been training for a few weeks, however due to LiveWest’s geographical split we all had to do a meet and greet on the day and then straight into the match.”

Coastline’s Elliot scored a remarkable goal from quite some distance out, and Curtis Wood for LiveWest was fantastic with his feet. Man of the match went to Jordan Daniell a Multi Skilled Technician from LiveWest who put in an excellent shift at centre back. 

 

Two players at charity football match

 

Charlotte added “We all really enjoyed the event and are hoping to make this a regular activity and even look to compete on a yearly basis against Coastline. 

This month recognises the work of LGBTQ+ people, promotes education in LGBTQ+ history, and raises awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, such as homophobia.”

This year is a special year as it marks the 50th anniversary since the first UK Pride march in London on July 1, 1972. The month of June is the celebration of Pride and sees lots of organisations arrange different activities to bring more awareness to the campaign. 

 

A shot taken by Jordan Daniell

Mark Hill, General Manager of Coastline Services said: “It was a privilege to manage the Coastline team and see the enthusiasm and comradery that was displayed both at training and on the night. It has been fantastic to get people together outside of the work environment and we all really enjoyed the occasion. 

We were, of course, thrilled to take the win on the day, LiveWest put up a great fight and were fantastic opponents particularly given that they hadn’t had the opportunity to train together. We look forward to meeting them again on the pitch for round two.”

Charlotte Bond added: “It’s important to highlight that LiveWest is an inclusive employer who celebrates key dates within the LGBTQ+ community. It is also important to us to show external agencies and customers that we are proud to celebrate this.

“By recognising important campaigns, such as Pride month, LiveWest is proud to celebrate diversity and have conversations to help learn and make positive change going forward.

We hope the SAGE group will help encourage everyone to feel they can be who they truly are in the workplace without any fear of judgement or prejudice.”