Shorts at the Business Fives National Finals

Our Shorts five-a-side team travelled to the Business Fives National Finals, competing against teams from businesses from all over the country.

With unpredictable weather adding an extra challenge, it was always going to be a day that tested both skill and determination.

The tournament began with a group stage format similar to that of the Champions League. Unfortunately, it took time for the guys to find their rhythm in the opening games, and they struggled throughout the group phase. The feeling was that it might be a difficult day! However, football as we know, is a funny old game…

Based on our group-stage performance, we were seeded into the Europa League competition, featuring 14 teams, and from that point on, everything seemed to click into place. Suddenly, the team gelled, the passes were sticking, the goals were flowing, and confidence was building with every match.

Reminiscent of our tournament back in August, our Shorts team went on to win every knockout game and booked our place in yet another final. This time, there was even more at stake, with a £750 donation for our chosen charity awaiting the winners.

Pressure, yes. but our boys were ready and feeling confident.

The final delivered plenty of excitement. A great game with chances for both teams.

Would this be our time?

With just over a minute remaining, Shorts were leading 3-2 and looked set to complete an incredible turnaround from our shaky start to the day. Then, right at the death, our opponents managed to find an equaliser to make it 3-3. At the final whistle, the scores were tied and the outcome was to be decided by a penalty shootout.

So close!

Unfortunately, it wasn't to be our day, and we narrowly lost 1-0 on penalties.

The smallest of margins, a difficult result to take, but what a day and what a final!

While there was obvious disappointment at the final whistle, there was also plenty of pride. To recover from a challenging group stage, win every knockout match, and reach the final against some of the best business teams in the country is a fantastic achievement.

A huge well done to everyone involved for representing the team so well and helping support a great cause.

We may have not quite raised the trophy this time, but it was a memorable day packed with determination, teamwork, and enough drama to keep everyone talking about it for a long time to come.

 The Shorts Team: Will Blumenstock, Arran Bovill, Daniel Hammond, Archie Mason, Jack Daniels, Louis Johnson, Jake Furniss and Ben Stones.