Bending it not quite like Beckham

Computer Aid fundraiser sees charity, journalists and public relations firms battle it out on the football pitch

Last Friday, Computing, our charity partner Computer Aid and media representatives of some the industry's leading IT firms congregated in Hyde Park for a footballing showdown - to support the work that Computer Aid does and to raise awareness of its cause.

The event was sponsored by Racepoint Group - the media agency for tech firms such as ARM Holdings and Ebay; Proof Communications - which works with Dell and CompTIA; and ITPR - which counts Tripwire among its clients.

Teams were entered by Computing, Racepoint, Proof and Computer Aid, which had both men's and mixed teams.

The first match kicked off at 3pm, when the heavens opened and players were treated to a downpour that is part and parcel of a British summer, but it wasn't enough to thwart their enthusiasm.

Both Computing and Racepoint Group started off well, notching up consecutive wins, before meeting each other in a crunch match that was not for the faint-hearted.

With scores level at 1-1, Racepoint scored a last-minute goal to take them into the lead. However, we at Computing don't know when we're beaten and one inspired player received a pass from the resulting kick-off, dribbled through the defence and placed a finish into the corner during injury time to level the scores at 2-2.

Meanwhile, Proof Communications valiantly battled on despite having an injured player, Computer Aid Men's showcased some silky football, and the Computer Aid mixed team impressed, surpassing expectations by finishing third.

Ultimately though, Racepoint Group's determination was clear and they dominated against the other teams, running out as winners on goal difference, with Computing clinching second place, level on points.

The tournament was great fun - but more importantly, it was all for a wholly worthwhile cause.

Computer Aid provides professionally refurbished PCs, donated by businesses in the UK, together with training and support to help schools, universities, hospitals and charities who can't afford to buy new PCs.

Its work helps children and disadvantaged people get an IT education, helps doctors access specialist advice to treat patients and many more besides. Most of its work takes place in Africa but it also supports organisations in the UK and Latin America.

Computer Aid has provided over 190,000 PCs to organisations in over 100 countries and fundraising initiatives like Friday are essential to helping raise awareness of the cause.

To find out more, please visit http://www.computeraid.org/