LOCAL rail operator c2c Railway has announced that its Kick4Kindness football tournament will again be taking place at Southend United’s Roots Hall stadium this May.
c2c has announced that its popular Kick4Kindness football tournament will be returning to Southend United’s Roots Hall stadium for a second consecutive year on Thursday 21 May.
The 9-a-side tournament, which is raising vital funds and awareness for Basildon Mind, SECE (South East and Central Essex) Mind and Basildon & Thurrock and Southend Samaritans, will see ten rail industry teams battling it out to be crowned Kick4Kindness champions 2026, a title which was claimed by Govia Thameslink Railway in 2025.
Commenting, Iain Palmer, c2c’s Head of Revenue Protection & Security and Kick4Kindness Event Director, said:
Last year’s Kick4Kindness tournament was a huge success, with our industry coming together on and off the pitch to raise vital awareness and a fantastic £7k for local mental health charities.
“With it estimated that one in four adults in England experience a mental health problem at some point each year, the work and availability of services provided by Mind and Samaritans has never been more vital to so many people.
“I would like to thank our partners at Southend United for hosting us on the hallowed turf at Roots Hall – a famous pitch which has been graced by some of football’s biggest names – and we can’t wait to get back out there with our industry friends and partners to help raise as much money and awareness for these important charities as we possibly can.”
Denise Kent, CEO, Basildon Mind, said:
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of c2c and Southend United, and we and SECE Mind are delighted to be named again as a charity partner for this year’s Kick4Kindness tournament.
“Mental health affects so many people, and the work of charities like ours is only possible thanks to events like Kick4Kindness where the power of football brings people together to make a positive impact.
“As an independent charity, the funds raised will make a real difference to those struggling with mental health challenges in our community.”
Rob Lee from Basildon & Thurrock Samaritans said:
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of c2c and Southend United once more for the Kick4Kindness football tournament. Every pound raised helps us continue to be there, day and night, for anyone struggling to cope.
“This teamwork, generosity and community spirit will make a real difference to people who need someone to listen.
“Thank you for standing with Samaritans.”
Rylee Doe, Commercial & Marketing Manager at Southend United, said:
“Last year’s Kick4Kindness was a roaring success and we’re delighted to host our friends at c2c for a second year on the famous Roots Hall pitch. Here’s to another year of raising thousands of pounds for brilliant, local charities.”
If you would like to get involved with this year’s Kick4Kindness tournament, either by entering a team or providing support on the day, then please contact Julian Williams on [email protected] for further details.
This year’s Kick4Kindness tournament will see participating teams compete in small 9-a-side games during the group and semi-final stages, with the final being 11-a-side on the full Roots Hall pitch.
