Utilities Cup raises £5,300 for Autism NI as 18 teams battle it out in Ballymena charity tournament

Pictured (L-R) is Kinecx Energy’s Chair of Corporate Social Responsibilities Committee Lisa McCarthy, Kinecx Energy CEO Niall Martindale, and Sorcha Mathews, Autism NI’s Corporate Fundraising Manager.

A football tournament bringing together some of Northern Ireland’s biggest utilities and infrastructure organisations has raised £5,300 for Autism NI while shining a spotlight on the power of community fundraising in Ballymena.

Hosted by Kinecx Energy at Ballymena Showgrounds, the inaugural Northern Ireland Utilities Cup attracted 18 teams from 13 organisations for a day of competitive football, networking and charity fundraising, with proceeds supporting Autism NI’s work across the province.

The event exceeded fundraising expectations, with organisers confirming that £5,300 was raised through team participation, sponsorship, donations and fundraising activities held throughout the day.

For Autism NI, the funds will help support vital services, advocacy work and awareness programmes for autistic people and their families across Northern Ireland.

Utilities sector comes together for a shared cause

The tournament brought together organisations from across the utilities and infrastructure sector, including Openreach, NIE, firmus energy, Phoenix, Kier, Evolve and Action Renewables.

Teams competed through group-stage matches before progressing into knockout rounds, ensuring all participants had multiple opportunities to take part throughout the day.

Away from the football action, attendees enjoyed a range of family-friendly fundraising activities including crossbar challenges, inflatable games and a charity raffle featuring prizes such as hotel stays and experience vouchers.

The event was designed not only to raise money but also to strengthen relationships across the sector while supporting an important local cause.

Fundraising total exceeds expectations

Lisa McCarthy, Chair of Kinecx Energy’s Corporate Social Responsibilities Committee, said the tournament demonstrated what could be achieved when organisations unite behind a common goal.

“The Northern Ireland Utilities Cup showcased what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose,” she said.

“We are incredibly proud of the support shown across the sector and delighted to contribute to the vital work of Autism NI.

“On behalf of Kinecx Energy we extend our sincere thanks to all teams, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the day, as well as those who supported fundraising efforts remotely through donations and raffle participation.”

The fundraising total will help Autism NI continue providing support services for families while also helping to raise greater awareness and understanding of autism across Northern Ireland.

Autism NI highlights lasting impact of support

Sorcha Mathews, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Autism NI, said the benefits of the event would extend well beyond the football pitch.

“The inaugural Northern Ireland Utilities Cup organised by Kinecx was more than a football tournament for Autism NI,” she said.

“Thanks to Kinecx Energy’s vision and leadership, £5,300 has been raised to fund the Autism NI Helpline, and the team also raised vital awareness of Autism NI’s work throughout Northern Ireland.

“We would like to thank Kinecx Energy, all participating teams, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for their generosity, enthusiasm and commitment to our cause. Their support will have a lasting impact on the lives of the families we support every day.”

The Autism NI Helpline provides information, advice and support to autistic people, parents, carers and families navigating everyday challenges and accessing services.

Openreach crowned champions

Members of the Openreach team who were crowned overall Northern Ireland Utilities Cup champions.

On the pitch, Openreach emerged as overall winners of the inaugural Northern Ireland Utilities Cup following a series of strong performances throughout the competition.

McGaffin Mechanical also enjoyed success, claiming victory in the Plate competition after impressing during the tournament.

Organisers say the strong turnout, enthusiastic support and successful fundraising effort have created a solid foundation for the Utilities Cup to become a regular fixture in the Northern Ireland utilities sector calendar in the years ahead.

Those interested in learning more about Kinecx Energy can visit www.kinecxenergy.co.uk.

The success of the inaugural tournament means its legacy will be measured not only in trophies won, but in the support it will provide to autistic people and families across Northern Ireland long after the final whistle has blown.