Tower Hamlets Tigers FC, part of the NHS Mental Health League, with strong historic and current links to ELFT’s Tower Hamlets Centre for Mental Health, took up the challenge to play a team of lawyers from law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Freshfields) at the start of 2022.
Freshfields is a global law firm with over 2,800 lawyers operating from 28 offices worldwide.
Inspired by the great teamwork they encountered on the day, Freshfields employees also donated over £400 to ELFT Charitable Funds so as to help support projects like the Tigers continue.
Commenting on bringing the two teams together, Brenda Phillips, Lead Sports Therapist for Tower Hamlets Centre for Mental Health said: “Everyone involved in the Tigers is delighted to have welcomed Freshfields to Stepney Astro Turf for the game.
“The Tigers played well, and didn’t let up for the whole 90 minutes, but Freshfields deserved their well-fought victory in the end.
“Thanks also to Tower Hamlets Council who have been so generous in ensuring we have the space to play at Stepney Astroturf.”
Marica Wainner, ELFT’s People Participation Health Development Co-ordinator said: “A massive thanks to Freshfields – not only for their reaching out to the Tigers for a game in the first place, but following this up with a very generous donation to the ELFT Charitable Fund.
“This has been such a massive boost to everyone involved in the team and some important and enduring links were made between the players because of it. The Tigers are energised and motivated to keep playing hard for the rest of the season and beyond!
Suzanne, the Tigers’ coach said: “I am really proud of how well The Tigers played on Wednesday. Everyone was on their best form and gave it all they had. The Tigers can’t wait for a re-match and we will be getting in lots of practise, hopefully for a re-match win!”
Day Njovana, ELFT’s Borough Director for Tower Hamlets said: “Thank you so much to the Freshfields staff, for their generosity in time and the contribution made to the ELFT Charitable Fund.
“This means so much to all of us at ELFT – both staff and service users.
“We all know how valuable sporting projects like this are in helping to connect people across our community and in terms of helping to challenge the stigma around mental health – something that can affect any one of us, at any time in our lives – the game has been a win for everyone involved.”