Trenitalia c2c’s first “Kick4Kindness” seven-a-side football tournament has generated £7,404.10 in a single day for Basildon Mind and the Basildon & Thurrock and Southend Samaritans, underlining the rail industry’s collective support for community mental-health services.
Event Overview
- Date / Venue: 7 May 2025, Roots Hall Stadium, home of Southend United FC
- Format: 20 seven-a-side teams; group stages followed by knock-outs and final
- Champions: Southern Engineers (Govia Thameslink Railway) defeated Amulet 3-0 in the final
- Fundraising Total: £7,404.10 for local mental-health charities
Rail-Sector Participation
The tournament drew teams from across the rail network, reinforcing industry collaboration beyond the operational sphere:
| Participating organisations (selected) |
|---|
| Trenitalia c2c (organiser) |
| Govia Thameslink Railway (Southern Engineers) |
| East Midlands Railway |
| Southeastern |
| Elizabeth Line |
| Rail Delivery Group |
| Amulet (c2c security partner) |
| Run Free Official (local community group) |
| Southend United staff XI |
| Team Platt — playing in memory of James Platt |
Purpose and Beneficiaries
One in four adults in England experiences a mental-health issue each year. Local voluntary services such as Basildon Mind and Samaritans provide front-line support yet rely heavily on external fundraising. The proceeds from Kick4Kindness will:
- Extend counselling and drop-in capacity at Basildon Mind
- Support 24-hour helpline operations at Basildon & Thurrock and Southend Samaritans
Organiser Statements
- Iain Palmer, Head of Revenue Protection & Security, Trenitalia c2c:
“Raising more than £7,000 in a single day demonstrates how the rail community can deliver real impact when it works as one.” - Gemma Platt, Head of HR, Trenitalia c2c:
“Bringing colleagues and partners together on the pitch honours the memory of my late husband while directing vital funds to Mind and Samaritans.” - Denise Kent, CEO, Basildon Mind:
“Independent charities depend on initiatives like Kick4Kindness. The rail sector’s backing will translate directly into local mental-health support.” - Tom Lawrence, CEO, Southend United FC:
“Roots Hall is proud to host events that strengthen ties between the club, c2c, and the wider community.”
Key Takeaways for Railway Professionals
- Industry collaboration: Operators and supply-chain partners can pool resources effectively for high-profile community causes.
- CSR with measurable outcomes: A clear beneficiary focus and transparent fundraising total strengthen stakeholder confidence.
- Venue partnerships: Leveraging football stadia attracts broader participation and media attention, maximising charitable return.
