32 teams from leading North East businesses will take to the padel court on 30 June, as B7 and Blu Sky aim to raise £3,200 for NE Youth and YMCA Newcastle.
A fast-growing business networking trend is being turned into a force for good, as leading North East businesses prepare to take to the padel court in support of two regional youth charities.
Newcastle-based video-first marketing agency B7 has joined forces with Blu Sky, a Newcastle-based accountancy firm that supports mid-sized businesses, to host a full-day charity padel tournament in support of two organisations working with young people across the region.
The event, taking place on Tuesday 30 June, will see 32 teams compete, each contributing £100 to take part. Organisers are aiming to raise £3,200, with almost all team places already filled.
Businesses signed up include the likes of Clive Owen, Evelyn Partners, FRP, Seriös Group, Muckle, NEL and Mincoffs, alongside a number of founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the North East.
The idea for the tournament came from a shared appreciation of padel, a sport that has quickly become a popular way for business owners and professionals to connect outside of the office.
For B7 and Blu Sky, the event is also an opportunity to use that momentum for a wider purpose, bringing the regional business community together to support two charities that help young people build confidence, access opportunities and feel heard.
David Broom, founder of B7, said: “Padel has become a brilliant way for people in business to spend time together in a setting that feels natural, active and genuinely enjoyable.
“Like golf, it gives people a chance to step away from the usual meeting room environment, look after their wellbeing and build relationships. We felt there was a real opportunity to take that energy and turn it into something that could support the wider community.
“NE Youth and YMCA Newcastle both do important work with young people across the region, and they are charities we have a personal connection to through previous projects, introductions and events. The response from businesses has been fantastic, and it is great to see so many people willing to get behind the day.”
Steve Robinson, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Growth Officer at Blu Sky said: “Padel has become the networking event people actually want to attend – and that says something about where business relationships are heading. We’ve seen it ourselves: the conversations that happen on a padel court are different to the ones in a boardroom.
“When B7 and Blu Sky began sharing ideas on something that genuinely matters to the region, it was an easy yes. YMCA Newcastle is close to us, we’ve seen the work they do with young people who just need someone to invest in them. If we can raise serious money while doing something we enjoy, that’s exactly the kind of initiative Blu Sky wants to be part of.”
Both charities were chosen because of the organisers’ existing connections to their work and the impact they have on young people across the North East.
Blu Sky has supported YMCA Newcastle through previous work and later introduced B7 to the charity, leading to B7 sponsoring one of its awards events. B7 has also seen the impact of NE Youth first-hand, having worked with the organisation on funded video projects that told the stories of young people, explored the barriers they face when entering employment, and celebrated their talent, determination and potential.
The tournament will take place on Tuesday 30 June, with funds raised going to NE Youth and YMCA Newcastle.
While most spots have been filled, there are a limited number of spaces still available. Businesses interested in supporting the event can contact David Broom at [email protected] and Steve at [email protected].
