Top Bins: Football, Fundraising & Fun

Fifteen teams. One incredible cause. From dramatic comebacks on the pitch to vital funds raised off it, The Big Goal Finals 2026 showed the power of football to bring people together and change lives.

On Thursday 11 June, the Shift7 team had the privilege of attending The Big Goal National Finals at St George’s Park, the home of English football.

Bringing together 15 organisations from across the UK’s technology, telecoms, infrastructure and business services sectors, the event was about far more than football. Every tackle, save and goal contributed towards a much bigger mission – supporting Street Soccer Foundation’s work to help end youth homelessness.

And what a day it turned out to be.

Football Worthy of the Venue

When you step on to the grounds of St George’s Park, expectations are naturally high.

Thankfully, the football more than matched the setting.

The quality on display throughout the tournament was exceptional, with teams from across the business community competing hard while embracing the spirit that makes The Big Goal such a unique event. From the group stages through to the knockout rounds, every game was fiercely contested and played in the right way.

But if there was one fixture that had everyone talking, it was the semi-final between RingCentral and Elite.

At 2-1 down, RingCentral looked to be heading out of the competition. What followed was one of the moments of the day. Two unanswered goals completed a remarkable comeback, securing a 3-2 victory and a place in the final.

It was the type of game that reminds you why football remains the world’s most loved sport. Drama, belief and a comeback that nobody saw coming.

RingCentral carried that momentum through the remainder of the tournament, going on to lift the trophy and earning the right to represent England at the Corporate World Cup Finals in Turkey in October.

More Than a Tournament

While the football was outstanding, The Big Goal has always been about much more than what happens on the pitch.

The event continues to bring together businesses that want to make a genuine difference, using football as a platform to support Street Soccer Foundation’s life-changing work. Through education, employability and sport, the charity helps young people experiencing homelessness and other significant barriers build brighter futures.

The evening gala was another highlight of the day. Supporters, partners and participants came together to celebrate the impact being made, while a highly competitive charity auction helped raise even more funds for the cause.

There was a real sense of momentum throughout the evening, with everyone united behind a shared goal: creating opportunities for young people who need them most.

The opening World Cup 2026 ceremony also deserves a special mention. Watching the tournament get underway at such an iconic venue added an extra layer of occasion to what was already a memorable day. There are few better places in the country to celebrate the power of football.

Looking Ahead

As Street Soccer Foundation’s official communications partner, we’re incredibly proud to support an initiative that continues to make a meaningful impact across the UK.

The success of this year’s finals is another reminder of what can be achieved when businesses, charities and communities come together behind a common purpose.

Now attention turns to the future.

Over the coming months, we’ll be supporting the next phase of The Big Goal’s communications journey as we work to raise awareness of Street Soccer Foundation’s mission, attract even more teams and partners, and help make The Big Goal 2027 bigger, bolder and even more impactful.

Congratulations to everyone who took part, supported the event and helped make the day such a success.

And finally, best of luck to RingCentral as they head to Turkey in four months time to represent England at the Corporate World Cup Finals.

If their semi-final comeback is anything to go by, they’ll take some stopping.