BrightHouse and Welcome Furniture top the league at The Sealy Cup

Move over Euro 2016, The Furniture Makers’ Company’s annual five-a-side football tournament, the Sealy Cup, has been this summer’s hottest competition.

Now in its fourth year, the one-day tournament is generously sponsored by bed brand Sealy and furniture trade magazine Cabinet Maker.

Nine teams from companies from across the furnishing industry, including Burbidge, BrightHouse, Celtheath, Cabinet Maker, Hypnos, Lebus and Welcome Furniture, battled it out at the Powerleague Derby Soccerdome on Sunday 17 July 2016.

The competition was fierce, with even the Master, Ben Burbidge, lacing up his boots to try and bring home the coveted Sealy Cup. Ultimately, a team consisting of staff from retailer BrightHouse and supplier Welcome Furniture were named champions. Andy Lunt from BrightHouse was awarded ‘Player of the Tournament’.

In addition to the tournament, each team got to play an eight-minute game against Burnley FC’s Vintage Clarets, a team of ex-professional football players captained by John Deary.

The fun-packed day finished with a BBQ, prize giving and raffle in aid of the charity.

Master Ben Burbidge said: “The annual Sealy Cup has established itself as an enjoyable day for furnishing industry employees to take part in while raising vital funds and awareness of what the charity does.

“On behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company, I would like to thank our main sponsor Sealy for their support, particularly for organising the Vintage Clarets to play at the tournament which made the day extra special for the players, as well as our other sponsor Cabinet Maker magazine.”

Holly Venning, brand marketing manager at Sealy, said: “The tournament was certainly the best one yet! It’s always a great day and it’s fantastic to see so many people from across the industry getting involved. We’re delighted that the Clarets took part again this year, they definitely had a lot of fun! We’re, as ever, extremely pleased to support such a worthwhile charity which does a lot for the industry.”