Last week, the second edition of the RSK Energy Transition Cup took place at Charlton Athletic’s stadium, The Valley. The event was held in partnership with National Energy Action (NEA), who are campaigning to tackle fuel poverty across the UK.
NEA define fuel poverty as a household needing to use 10% of their income on keeping their home warm. Since the beginning of the energy crisis in October 2021, the average energy bill has been historically high. Millions of UK households are currently in fuel poverty, unable to afford to heat their homes to the temperature needed to keep warm and healthy, and falling into debt.
NEA are an amazing charity, and the funds raised during the event will help them support Charlton Athletic Community Trust with their ongoing work in the local community.
Sixteen teams took part in this year’s tournament, including our very own RSK Biocensus and Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) joint team, Headland Archaeology, Copper Consultancy, NEA’s own team and various teams across the RSK Group.
Representing RSK Biocensus and SES at the event were people from a mix of backgrounds, business disciplines and genders, demonstrating the inclusion that we try to foster, both off and on the pitch.
In goal for the team was Andrew Pankhurst, Managing Director at SES, who proved to be a safe pair of hands throughout the tournament. The defense consisted of Edward Nicholson, Associate Director at RSK Biocensus, Daniel Tackie, Senior Ecological Consultant at RSK Biocensus, Thomas Izod, Senior Arboricultural Consultant at SES, and Chris Kelly, Principal BNG Consultant and Geospatial Lead at SES, who all became the brick wall within the team in which to build from.
In the midfield for the team was Nick Price, Consultant Ecologist at RSK Biocensus, and Darren Denmead, Associate Director at SES, whose steel in the middle of the park was invaluable throughout the day. Playing in attack for the team was Harry Lane, Accounts Assistant at SES, who proved to be just as lethal and decisive up front as Harry Kane, no one could be blamed for thinking there was just a typo on the team sheet!
Not to be forgotten, Sophie Sibley from RSK Biocensus, as well as Kieran Durham, Harry Huddart and Jack Davis from SES, all provided immense performances throughout the tournament when called upon. Special thanks must also be given to Rosa, who jumped in to help at the last minute when someone could not make it, thank you so much!
After winning their first match and moving onto the quarter-finals, the RSK Biocensus/SES team faced RSK Geosciences, where our team blew the opposition away before moving onto the semi-final. We then faced Stephenson Halliday, in which a narrow victory moved us onto the final.
In the final we faced Macbrook Gas, who had already bested RSK Environment in the Semi-final, leading to a tough challenge in the final of the tournament. The final proved to be a tense and nervy affair, and a fantastic performance in goal from Andrew Pankhurst meant that one goal from Harry Lane was enough to win both the match, and the tournament for RSK Biocensus and SES.
We are so proud of everyone who took part in the team, and are especially grateful to Edward Nicholson, who was a leader both on and off the pitch as the team captain. Speaking after the event, Edward said: “What made the day particularly special was that many of the squad had never even met before, yet came together instantly as a team. Players spanning generations, from their 20s right through to their 50s, showing that teamwork, camaraderie, and a competitive spirit know no age limit!”
Never mind Arsenal, RSK Biocensus and SES are the real champions, and although there won’t be an open top bus parade outside of RSK’s Helsby office, we will be celebrating the team’s victory, and there WILL be cake (just like a normal Tuesday!).
We are also delighted to announce that the tournament raised over £13,500 to support NEA’s amazing work, we want to thank everyone who donated to this amazing cause. Every single person involved in the event has done their teams and themselves proud, and made the tournament a massive success, we can’t wait until next year!