Leading specialist recruitment agency Acorn has joined forces with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) Trust for the third time, bringing more than 50 Welsh business leaders together with professional sporting representatives for the 2018 CEO Kickabout.
Held at the FAW base at Dragon Park in Newport, the unique charity football event brings Welsh senior leaders together for a day of sport and business. Starting with an inspirational insight session led by Wales assistant coach Osian Roberts, attendees were joined by current and ex-professional football representatives; including Newport County manager Mike Flynn, former Wales footballer Owain Tudur-Jones and Scarlets assistant coach Stephen Jones, who offered advice and support before coaching attendees through a charity football tournament to raise funds for the FAW Trust – with this year’s event bringing the total raised to more than £23,000.
The FAW Trust carries out community development work across Wales, encouraging both males and females of all ages to get involved in sport and play more football. Working to identify and develop talented players to support the future success of the Wales national teams, the Trust also aims to help develop more and better qualified coaches through its support.
With teams including Newport County, Barry Town, Hereford, Wrexham, Swansea and the coveted Wales Home and Away teams, all bets were off as to which team could take the lead, but it was Newport County who rounded the day off with a win.
Acorn Group Marketing & Communications Director Dan Langford said;
“The CEO Kickabout brings business and sport together to raise funds for a worthy cause.
“It’s truly remarkable what lessons people can bring from sport into the workplace. From tactical thinking, through to learning from mistakes and understanding the true value of teamwork, there are undoubtable benefits to looking at business with a sporting perspective.
“As the largest recruiter in Wales, it’s important for Acorn to give something back to the local communities we work in. It’s a pleasure to have supported the great work the Trust do over the last three years, as they continue to provide much-needed support to Welsh grassroots football.”
Neil Ward, Chief Executive of the FAW Trust, added:
“It’s brilliant to see the success of the CEO Kickabout for the third time. Having the support of Welsh businesses is key to the important work we do to encourage and develop football participation across Wales.
“The event offers the perfect opportunity for CEOs to meet away from the office, and demonstrates the truly world-class facilities available in the city for businesses and Welsh sport.”