In an afternoon brimming with determination and solidarity, Team Oxygen (Alex Jones, goalkeeper Alexander Bryan, Cameron Major, Chris Williamson, Harry Goodband, striker Harry Handsaker, and team captain Alistdair Smith) embarked on their second Charity 5-Aside Football Tournament yesterday in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The day began with a challenging clash against the previous tournament champions, setting the tone for what lay ahead. Despite Team Oxygen’s best efforts, the match resulted in a hard-to-swallow 4-0 defeat, highlighting the vast disparity between the returning champions and our own home-grown heroes as we sought to find our footballing rhythm.
Subsequent matches were fiercely contested, with narrow 1–0 defeats underscoring the team’s valiant efforts. Moments of brilliance, including Harry Handsaker’s thunderous strikes against the crossbar and Chris Williamson’s Terry Butcher-level commitment, epitomised the team’s dedication on the field. Though victory seemed elusive, the team’s resilience shone through in a thrilling comeback from a 2-0 deficit against the eventual group winners, securing a hard-fought draw.
As the tournament progressed to the knockout stage, fate dealt a challenging hand with a sudden-death penalty shootout. Despite a gallant effort, victory slipped away in the decisive moments. However, in defeat, a different kind of victory emerged—a victory of unity, determination, and unwavering commitment to a noble cause.
Reflecting on the day’s events, team captain Alistdair Smith said that “while the tournament may not have yielded the desired outcome, it showcased the team’s resilience and determination, and we were able to leave the tournament with our heads held high.”
But of course, the tournament wasn’t just about football; it was about making a difference in the lives of brave children battling illness. With every kick of the ball, Oxygen Finance demonstrated their commitment to Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s mission of providing the best care possible for young patients and their families, and we’re still accepting donations here.
As we look ahead to the eagerly anticipated September tournament, Team Oxygen remains united in our dedication to making a positive impact in the community and beyond.
For those who haven’t yet sponsored, you can still contribute to this noble cause through our JustGiving page.
