The UHSussex Cup 2026 Highlights

Goals, Grit, and Generosity

Rain and drizzle couldn’t dampen the spirits at Worthing FC on Sunday, 1st March. While the weather was classic “British Sunday League,” the atmosphere was anything but cold. More than 80 colleagues swapped their scrubs and office wear for football kits to compete in the latest UHSussex Cup.

The day was a masterclass in our Trust values, defined by a sense of community, kindness, and unwavering support for one another, even when the tackles got a bit competitive!

We then embarked on an absolutely incredible day at the My Charity UHSussex Cup Final, which took place two weeks later on Saturday 26 March.

From the first whistle of the tournament to the final kick of the NHS All Stars vs. Albion Legends match, the atmosphere was electric.

It wasn’t just about the football; it was a masterclass in kindness, respect, and pure community spirit. We are bursting with pride for every single player who stepped onto the pitch to support our local NHS hospitals.

The stats that matter

• It wasn’t just about the footy; it was about the impact. Here is how the day broke down:
• 89 players took to the pitch.
• 121 goals hammered into the back of the net.
• 10 teams battled it out for glory.
• £6,000+ raised (and counting!) 

The lineup

A huge shout-out to the ten teams who braved the elements and brought their “A” game:

More than just a game

Beyond the score lines, the real victory was the £6,000 raised so far. This incredible total will go directly towards supporting our staff and patients, proving that when UHSussex comes together, we achieve amazing things.

A massive thank you to the supporters who cheered from the side-lines with umbrellas in hand, and Worthing FC for hosting us. Whether you were scoring, a screamer or just trying to stay upright on the wet grass, you made the day special.

“The weather was grim, but the vibes were 10/10. Seeing teams from different departments laughing and supporting each other is what this trust is all about.” Tournament Attendee

Photo highlights

A massive thank you to:

• Worthing Football Club: For being world-class hosts with such wonderful staff who really looked after us.
• The Albion Legends: For sharing their Saturday and skills with us, they are true local heroes!
• Our NHS All Stars: More than 90 staff members took part in the first-ever UHSussex Cup Tournament. Your dedication on and off the pitch is inspiring.

Huge congratulations to finalists Paines United and our ultimate champions: Chicken Tikka Mo Sala. An epic win for an epic team!

More than £6,000 has been raised so far, going directly to supporting University Sussex Hospitals, ensuring our staff and patients have the very best. 

Thank you to all our amazing colleagues for showing up to support your charity and our Trust