THANKS to the volunteering of Soccersixes staff and referees, through lockdown the six-a-side league has managed to raise and donate £2,025 to the NHS.

The six-a-side league provider, which usually operates leagues outdoors on 3G pitches decided during lockdown to help the NHS and to therefore operate an e-soccer online FIFA gaming tournament.

This raised £2,025, all the profit going to the NHS.

Soccersixes spokesman Sean Uppal said: “We wanted to do something to help in the pandemic and one of our referees mentioned doing a charity online gaming tournament.

“Our staff and referees helped and the E-Soccer tournament was a success and we were pleased to raise money for such a good cause.”

Uppal continued: “Our six-a-side teams who play in our leagues took part and enjoyed it but are now happy that our outdoor 3G six-a-side league is back on and they are enjoying playing again in the open air.”

Soccersixes operate on a Monday night at the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre Astroturf Pitch.

The league runs weekly and is open to any standard and currently there are two spaces available for any teams who want to enter a team.

Games are 40 minutes long and qualified referees are present to referee the league.

It is easy to enter a team, there is no entry fee, players have to be over 16 and a team captain can get six to eight players together and register at: www.soccersixes.net  or call Jake on 07969 042067.

The league matches are good for mental health and fitness and help also with reducing obesity.

It is fun and enables a lot of people in the area to get out and enjoy playing football with friends.

Soccersixes is affiliated and recognised by the Football Association.