This August, for the sixth year running, football teams from some of the UK’s top restaurants will come together in support of farmers living in eastern Africa.
Although united in their mission to raise funds for Farm Africa, fierce competition can be expected amongst teams and with last year’s winners, Portland Restaurant, not participating the competition is wide open.
The tournament is annually organised by award-winning chef Paul Foster, who is a long-term supporter of Farm Africa and has raised thousands of pounds for the charity over the last decade.
“The tournament started in 2012,” said Foster. “It was originally organised to gain extra support and sponsorship for an attempt to climb Kilimanjaro with fellow chefs. Since then it has become an annual event and a great way to shout about the important work that Farm Africa do. Having visited some of their projects myself, I recognise the vital mission of the charity and I love that the tournament is able to grow and support them more and more each year.”
This year’s event is taking place at Star City, Birmingham on Sunday 12 August and is kindly sponsored by TRUEfoods who specialise in making and selling top quality, natural products.
All money raised from the tournament will go towards supporting Farm Africa’s work to reduce poverty by helping farmers in eastern Africa to grow more, sell more and sell for more.
Danny Everett, Farm Africa’s Events Manager said: “It’s brilliant to see the food and hospitality community coming together in support of African farmers. The tournament, alongside our new movement, Chefs for Change, demonstrates the food industry’s commitment to tackling poverty in rural Africa. Huge thanks to all of the teams taking part, and particularly to Paul Foster who works so hard each year to put the event on, and to TRUEfoods, our brilliant sponsors. Apparently, football’s not coming home this year – we disagree. May the best team win!”
Teams currently signed up include: TRUEfoods, Adams Restaurant, Alderly Edge Hotel, AM Bailey, Bandana Monkey, Belmont Hotel, Casamia, Corpus Christi College, Flourish, Hampton Manor, John’s House, Lime Recruitment, The Wilderness & Ritter Courivaud.
There are still a few places available, so if you think you and your crew have got what it takes to bring home the trophy, you can register on the Farm Africa website: http://www.farmafrica.org/chefs-football-tournament or contact Paul Foster on Twitter via @Paulfosterchef.
