Play On The Pitch

Home
United Kingdom
Southend-on-Sea
Play On The Pitch

Play on the Pitch is a charity football match at Roots Hall, established in 2014.

Barclays take on Southend Business Professionals to raise funds for Havens Hospices. Bringing businesses, fans and families together, the event has raised over £300,000 for

15/05/2026

What a night.

We were joined by Alexis LOS and Dave Kreyling as Play on the Pitch returned to Roots Hall, and after a hard-fought game, Barclays took the win again with a 5–3 finish.

But as always, the real win is what we achieve together off the pitch. 💛

The auction alone raised an incredible £14,000, which, with Barclays’ £ for £ match, puts us well over halfway towards our £50k target already.

It was also wonderful to see some of the children from Little Havens out as mascots for both teams, a really special moment that reminded us exactly why this event matters.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along, donated, cheered, booed, and made the night what it was.

Special thanks to:
• WD Studios for a brilliant half-time show
• Paul Bridgeman for hosting and keeping the energy up all evening

We can’t wait to reveal the final total… and then do it all over again in 2027.

14/05/2026

MATCH DAY.

Tonight’s the night. Play on the Pitch is back at Roots Hall, and we’re ready to take on Barclays 👀

We’ll be honest… we’re absolutely here to win it this year.
But if it doesn’t go our way on the pitch, we’ll be making sure we smash that £50k target for Havens Hospices 💛

That’s what really matters.

So whether you’re backing Barclays or Southend Business Professionals, get down, make some noise, and be part of a night that brings the whole community together in support of Havens Hospices.

📍 Roots Hall
🕕 6pm kick off
🎟 Entry is a donation on the gate

Let’s do this.

05/05/2026

Able Group have upped their game!!
Have you spotted this banner outside their offices on Progress Road?
We're in super countdown mode!! Just 9 days to go!!!

We'll be gearing up the goody bags this week, making last-minute checks and making sure that we're set to raise over £50k for Havens Hospices 🙌🏻

⚽️14th May,
⚽️Barclays vs Southend Business Professionals,
⚽️Roots Hall
⚽️5:30 gates for a 6pm kick off!
⚽️Goody bags for kiddos.
⚽️Entry is a donation at the gate.
⚽️ Superstar player,

See you soon!

30/04/2026

🙌🏻 Just two weeks to go!

Play on the Pitch returns on 14th May, kicking off at 6pm at Roots Hall, and we cannot wait to do it all again.

Raising vital funds for Havens Hospices , this is a night that truly makes a difference, and this year we’re aiming big. After coming so close last time, we’re hoping to smash through the £50k mark… and with Barclays matching every £1 for £1, the impact will be even greater. 😱💛

And it’s not just about the football…

⭐️ Special guest player Alexis LOS
🎁 Goodie bags for the children
🎟 Raffle and auction
💃 Half-time show from Expressions Theatre Arts
🦁 Mascots and plenty of matchday moments

There’s so much to enjoy both on and off the pitch, making it the perfect evening for families, football fans and the whole community.

📅 Pop 14th May in your diary
🎟 Entry is a donation on the gate

Let’s fill the stands and make this one our biggest yet.

17/04/2026

⚽️ PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT ⚽️

Next up… Euan O’Neill from Revive.Digital 👀

A man of simple tastes.

Likes: West Ham
Dislikes: Also West Ham

We’re not entirely sure what’s going on there, but what we do know is Euan will be bringing pace, passion, and possibly a bit of emotional turmoil to the pitch this year 😅

Catch him in action on 14th May 2026 at Roots Hall, as Barclays take on Southend Business Professionals, all in aid of Havens Hospices 💛

🎁 Goodie bags for the kids
💃 Half-time dance show
🎟 Charity raffle
⭐️ Special appearances

Will he score? Will he celebrate? Will he be conflicted the whole time? 👀

Only one way to find out…

10/04/2026

⚽️ PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT ⚽️

Next up on the team sheet… Phil Howell from Able Group 👀

Back for another year, and if last year is anything to go by, Phil is bringing serious commitment to the pitch… considering he still managed to play with a broken wrist 😅

This year, we’re hoping for the same determination.

Likes: Heavy metal and country
Dislikes: Losing (understandable, to be fair)

Catch Phil in action on 14th May 2026 at Roots Hall, as Barclays take on Southend Business Professionals, all in aid of Havens Hospices 💛

🎁 Goodie bags for the kids
💃 Half-time dance show
🎟 Charity raffle
⭐️ Special appearances

Let’s just keep him in one piece this time, yeah? 👀

08/04/2026

⚽️ FIRST PLAYER ANNOUNCED ⚽️

Say hello to Ray Burkmar from Barrons Chartered Accountants , the first name on the team sheet for Play on the Pitch 2026 👀

A big football fan through and through, you’ll find Ray supporting Millwall… and definitely not enjoying it when they lose 😅

Catch Ray in action on 14th May 2026 at Roots Hall, as Barclays take on Southend Business Professionals in a night full of football, community spirit and fundraising for Havens Hospices 💛

Expect more than just the match…
🎁 Goodie bags for the kids
💃 Half-time dance show
🎟 Charity raffle
⭐️ Special appearances

This is football, but not as you know it.

Who’s next on the team sheet? 👀

25/03/2026

⚽️ 50 DAYS TO GO.

50 days until Play on the Pitch takes over Roots Hall.

Barclays vs Southend Business Professionals.
A packed crowd.
A raffle.
A half-time show.
And one very exciting star player 👀

All raising vital funds for Havens Hospices

This isn’t just a match. It’s a moment. 💛

17/02/2026

Ok… It’s time 👀
We promised you a superstar, and we’re VERY excited to reveal that our play on the pitch 2026 star player is none other than Alexis LOS 💥
That’s right, Alexis LOS, taking to the pitch at Roots Hall on 14th May 2026, all in support of Havens Hospices.
This one’s shaping up to be something special. football, community, a proper star moment, and one huge fundraising goal.

Smash 50k?
Cooooommmeee onnnn! ⚽️🔥

14/02/2026

Wimbledon crowd, but make it Roots Hall. 💅⚽️

Sun out, shades on, effortlessly cool energy in the stands. This isn’t centre court, this is Play on the Pitch, and honestly… the vibes speak for themselves.

This is what happens when football meets community, charity, and a crowd that understands a good outfit and a good cause. Relaxed, stylish, and very much here for the moment.

Fancy being part of it next time?
You can look this good too at the next match at Roots Hall on 14th May 2026, as Barclays take on Southend Business Professionals, all while raising vital funds for Hospices .

Same sunshine energy, same iconic setting, even bigger reason to be there.

hall

Address

Southend-on-Sea

Website

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/play-on-the-pitch-2026

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Play On The Pitch posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Play On The Pitch:

Shortcuts

Want your organisation to be the top-listed Non Profit Organisation in Southend-on-Sea?