Competitions

Sunderland Contact Centre triumph over 101 teams

For the second year running a team from Sunderland Contact Centre were crowned champions of the Barclays Premier League 5-a-side competition, run exclusively for colleagues.

Over 700 colleagues in 101 teams had competed in heats earlier in the year at venues around the country for the chance to play in the finals at Bolton's Reebok Stadium on Sunday, 12 June.

The 24 teams who qualified for the finals enjoyed the unique experience of what it is like to play in the Barclays Premier League. Players were able to use changing rooms, walk down the tunnel and, of course, play on the same pitch the professionals do.

Sunderland Contact Centre emerged as champions following a day of intense competition in front of over 200 colleagues, friends and family who had come along to support the teams. As champions they also had the ultimate experience of lifting the Barclays Premier League trophy.

Guest of honour, presenting the trophy and winners medals, was former Barclays Premier League manager Phil Brown. Throughout the day Phil also signed autographs and talked with players and spectators.

Spectators were also able to have their picture taken with the Barclays Premier League trophy and enjoy entertainment for all the family in the Reebok's Platinum Lounge.

In addition, colleagues were also able to get close to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals trophy as part of a display showcasing two of Barclays other major sponsorships.

Barclays Cycle Hire was also featured, giving colleagues the chance to see one of the bikes from the London based scheme.