With the FIFA World Cup 2026 capturing the imagination of football fans across the globe, the beautiful game also made its mark closer to home.
Burnley College welcomed 18 local businesses and community teams to its 4G pitch for the Corporate Challenge Summer Fundraiser – a community event raising funds for Pendleside Hospice. The afternoon brought together employers, staff and supporters for the six-a-side football tournament.
Among the companies taking part were Pursuit Aerospace, Barrowford Working Men’s Club, Petty Real, SBS Electrical, Burnley College, Beyond the Game Foundation, Lloyds BMW Colne and Pro Vision with teams of fundraising friends also completing the lineup.
The Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Nadeem Ahmed arrived to cheer on the teams alongside Helen McVey, Chief Executive of Pendleside Hospice and their mascot, Penny the Squirrel.
MSM Engineering, based in Nelson won after a 0-0 draw forced the finalists into penalties against Mighty Morphin Power Reijnders, named after TV’s Power Rangers and the Manchester City Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The dramatic penalty shootout finished 3-1, crowning MSM Engineering champions.
The event, which was a huge success, was organised by Mary Lenehan and Atique Rehman from O2 Business, formerly Daisy Communications, along with Sam Chaffer and Avril Pilling from Themis at Burnley College.
Sam Chaffer, Employer Engagement Advisor at Themis, said:
“It was a great day all round despite the hot weather. The teams gave it their all and the final was a tightly fought contest.
“It was brilliant to see businesses and friends come together to support the hospice and help O2 Business and ourselves keep our hospice fundraising total topped up. It is an amazing cause that we are delighted to support.”
Matthew Lawson from Lloyds BMW, Colne took part in the competition and added:
“It was a brilliant tournament. Our two teams loved being part of the competition for a cause as important as Pendleside Hospice. We’re already planning to take part next year.”
Funds raised on the day are set to top £2,000, with every penny will going directly to Pendleside Hospice, which provides specialist palliative care to people across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. The hospice relies heavily on the generosity of community fundraising to sustain its vital services.
The Corporate Challenge Summer Fundraiser reflects Burnley College’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with the regional business community. The College works with over 800 employers across the region and plays an active role in supporting the social and economic wellbeing of East Lancashire.
