The Rutland Cup will be taking place this weekend to raise money for charity.

The Rutland Cup is an annual football tournament that sees 4 local teams compete in a series of friendly games across 2 weekends to raise money for Rutland-based charities. Last year, the cup supported For Rutland. 

The football tournament takes place in July, with this year's iteration of the cup raising much-needed funds for Pepper's– A Safe Place. 

Pepper's – A Safe Place is a local charity dedicated to supporting mental health, wellbeing, and tackling loneliness. It has been opened for 4 years and offers drop-in sessions and regular classes and groups to encourage learning and socialisation.

Click here to find out about the sessions taking place at Pepper's throughout July to combat loneliness.

Development Manager, Pippa Gorman, said: "Loneliness is something that I'm sure we have all struggled with, especially throughout the pandemic. But many live with it everyday. We want to bring the community together, with a shared, safe and welcoming space for all, to chat, socialise, have fun and be less alone."  

Last year's sponsors included The Crown Tavern, Rutland Late Night Pharmacy and The Royal Duke. Image credit: Dan Allen.

The organiser of the Rutland Cup, Stewart Lambie, added: "We supported Pepper's in 2021, and since then have had friends impacted directly by the work they do. As such, we plan on supporting them every year." 

The football clubs involved in this year's tournament include Oakham, Uppingham, Cottesmore, Stamford Lions. 

This is the third year the team have organised the event, which was a popular annual cup in the 90s. Stewart has worked hard since 2021 to bring it back, seeing much success. 

Over the last 2 years, the event has helped to raise £2,350.48 for local charities, and welcomes many players and spectators, some making firm friends for life through the tournament. 

This year, the event will take place on Saturday 8 and Saturday 15 July 2023 at Oakham United Football Club in Barleythorpe. 

The first of this weekend's games will kick off at 1pm.

The Rutland Cup games will begin this weekend, with the final set to take place on 15 July. Image credit: Stewart Lambie.

To help raise funds, the team will also be hosting bucket collections during the event, as well as a popular raffle, the results of which are set to be drawn on finals day. 

As such, be sure to bring spare change and plenty of community spirit.

Come and support the event, enjoy some top local football, indulge in food and drink and make the most of the Great British weather, whatever it may bring. 

Oakham were last year's winners. Image credit: Dan Allen.

See you there! 

Don't forget to check out the Oakham Nub News What's On page for other local events. 

Alternatively, let us know about your fundraising events and challenges by emailing [email protected].