The Furniture Makers’ Company’s annual five-a-side football tournament, ‘the Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup’, has raised £5,800 in aid of the charity with HFD Limited crowned the winners of the 2023 competition.

The one-day event, which was generously sponsored by Ocee & Four Design, once again took place at the Lucozade Powerleague Football Centre, Coventry on Sunday 2 July 2023.

Now in its ninth year, the tournament was renamed the Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup in 2022 as a tribute to the late Tim Bloyce, a devoted football enthusiast and employee of Ocee & Four Design, who sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) last year.

Twelve teams from furnishing retailers, manufacturers, distributors and service providers, including Celtheath, Crofts & Assinder, Florco, Häfele UK, HFD Limited, Jay-Be, Lee Longlands & Co, Ocee & Four Design, and Whitemeadow Furniture, were among those competing for glory.

The action kicked off at 1.00pm with the group stages, during which each team played three games to progress to the next stage. As the matches got underway, the Long Eaton Wanderers (Celtheath) looked to be the early favourites, securing 8-0 and 10-1 wins over the Whitemeadow Wizards and HFD Coleshill Area 2, respectively.

At the end of the group stage, the top eight teams* progressed to the main competition’s knockout tournament, while the bottom four teams** competed for the Silver Plate.

In a surprising turn of events, the Long Eaton Wanders were knocked out by Jay-Be FC, who then faced defeat against It Is What It Is (Crofts & Assinder), ensuring the latter's place in the final. On the other side of the bracket, HFD Coleshill Sales overcame the Whitemeadow Wanderers and Häfele to secure their spot in the final.

In the highly anticipated final match, It Is What It Is and HFD Coleshill Sales battled fiercely. However, HFD Coleshill Sales dominated the game, scoring four goals compared to It Is What It Is's one goal, securing their victory and the championship.

Simultaneously, Florco and Northampton United (Ocee & Four Design) competed for the Silver Plate in the final match. Both teams showcased their skills with multiple goals, but Florco emerged victorious with a final score of 7-3 against Northampton United.

The tournament concluded with an awards ceremony, where Mark Jones of HFD Coleshill Sales was honoured with the 'Player of the Tournament' trophy. Following the ceremony, participants enjoyed a barbecue to celebrate the successful event.

Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: "Another year and another fantastic Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup, made possible by the support of our sponsor, Ocee & Four Design. Over the past decade, the Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup has become a prominent event in our fundraising calendar. It not only helps us raise funds but also raises awareness of the essential support our charity provides to individuals in the furniture and furnishing industry. We extend our thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to our impressive result of £5,800."

Alistair Gough, Group CEO of Ocee & Four Design, said: “Ocee & Four Design are delighted to sponsor this key fundraising event in the name of Tim Bloyce who was a highly valued colleague for 30 years and a great football enthusiast. The Furniture Makers’ charity supported Tim brilliantly during the last year of his life - it is therefore wonderful to see companies coming out in support of the event, enabling the charity to continue its great work.”

The next Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup is taking place on Sunday 7 July 2024.