With over 80 companies representing Scotland’s diverse economy it is the charitable element of Business Fives that everyone is talking about. Over 60 local and national charities will benefit from the summer season.

A company commitment since inception to donate 10% of revenue to charitable causes throughout Scotland has saw more and more companies joining in with Scotland’s national business five-a-side tournament as it enters its third full season.

For the summer season the company is taking a different direction after a conversation with their winter sponsors, Difference Corp who suggested companies should play for their own chosen charity with the overall donation going to the cause chosen by the eventual national champions which is now a reality.

Players have been fundraising ahead of the eight qualifying events with brilliant efforts from companies like Aviva who have organised a race night with all proceeds going to support the work of East Dunbartonshire Initiative for Creative Therapy (EDICT), Thomson Gray have set themselves a fundraising target of £500 for their chosen charity A & M Scotland and MBN Solutions have already raised £140 for Children with Cancer. These are just some of the fine examples of the businesses involved using the events as a tool to create a positive impact on society.

The ambition at Business Fives is for the summer season to raise over £10,000 for charities across Scotland and it is well underway to achieving this target.

Reigning winter champions RBS will be playing for the STV Appeal with charities like Maggies, MND Scotland, Macmillan, Alzheimer’s Scotland, Hope for Children and Princes Trust all being supported by multiple companies. Three companies are playing for Beatson as their chosen charity, a cause that benefited from Scotland’s national business golf tournament, Business Fours earlier in the year

Tournament founder John McClarey said “We’ll be sticking to our core values through our company commitment to charity and this season the destination of this donation will be decided by the overall champions from our national final. With over 60 local and national charities benefiting from the fundraising efforts of our players, something we’re really proud of here at Business Fives and we’re looking forward to presenting our cheque to the eventual lucky charity.”

Gary Blackwood, of Business Fives health and wellbeing sponsors White Tree Chiropractic, said: “We here at WTC are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside Business Fives, as we see sport and exercise as an integral part of healthy working offices We all know that exercise is one of the best ways to prevent ill-health, lowering blood pressure, raising energy levels and improving productivity and focus. Our offer to participants and their companies are lunchtime talks to show them how to get the most out of their training, avoid or resolve pain, and understand how brain function is linked to activity levels.”

This summer Business Fives will be bringing a twist to the events providing more networking opportunities and further integrate businesses through their events. The events offer the chance to bond with colleagues outside of the office environment and promote a fit and active office culture in the process.

The tournament is well supported by a host of ambassadors that include Hibernian and Scotland legend Pat Stanton, Hearts & Scotland legend Gary Mackay, St Mirren and Aberdeen star Lee Mair, who has since transitioned into the world of business, current Rangers Ladies Manager, Amy McDonald, Rhonda Jones, who was recently inducted into Hampden’s Hall Of Fame for over 100 appearances for the Scotland national team and former Celtic player Jim Melrose, who still holds the record for the fastest ever Premier League goal.

Players will be able to get an insight into life as a professional footballer by hearing from our ambassadors at the events throughout August.

The events are open to all, working with Scottish Women in Sport as the female participation champion, Business Fives is really pleased to add Scotland legends Rhonda Jones and Amy McDonald to their list of ambassadors this summer.

Georgina Jamieson, who represented the University of Edinburgh Business School, said: “Playing in Business Fives was a fantastic experience. It was a fab way to bond with colleagues away from the desk and everyone (genders, shapes, sizes and fitness levels) were welcome. It has inspired us to recruit more ladies and have a Wednesday night kick about to improve our skills in time for the next event.”

You can find out more information and get involved in Business Fives via their website www.businessfives.co.uk.