Virgin Atlantic and British Airways to go head-to-head in charity football match at Horsham FC

The match between the rival British airlines will kick off at 8pm this [Friday, November 18] evening at Horsham FC’s Camping World Community Stadium and has been organised by Kyle Reynolds, cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic, and David Rees from British Airways.

The two airlines are putting their friendly competition to one side to unite in the aid of these deserving charities.

Spectators are invited to come down and while entry is free of charge, attendees are asked to donate via either airline.

One hundred per cent of donations made to British Airways will go to the Disaster Emergency Committee in support of the Pakistan floods appeal.

By working together as a member of the DEC’s Rapid Response Network, British Airways raises funds to save, protect, and rebuild lives in vulnerable communities that are impacted by major disasters.

Virgin Atlantic will split donations between its charity partners, with 50 per cent of proceeds going to UK for UNHCR’s Pakistan floods appeals, and 50 per cent of proceeds going to The Smallpeice Trust, Speakers for Schools, and UK for UNHCR through the Virgin Atlantic Foundation.

Virgin Atlantic partners with these charities to deliver their flagship community programme, Passport to Change, which aims to end educational inequality and increase engagement in STEM subjects.

Virgin Atlantic Football Club has previously played against easyJet, Beder Football Club and Stonewall Football Club to raise funds for these partners.

The match will also be available to tune into via a livestream here. Those wishing to watch the game are asked to note their attendance on Eventbrite here.

To donate through Virgin Atlantic, click here and to donate through British Airways, click here.

Estelle Hollingsworth, chief people officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “At Virgin Atlantic, our purpose is to empower everyone to take on the world. Joining forces with our industry competitors at British Airways is a fantastic opportunity to put our rivalry aside and raise money for just that.

“We are incredibly proud to work so closely with our charity partners, from supporting the Pakistan floods appeal through UK for UNHCR, to investing in the hearts and minds of young people with the help of The Smallpeice Trust and Speakers for Schools.

“We are so grateful for every single contribution and are committed to using our business as a force for good.”

Carrie Harris, director of sustainability at British Airways, added: “Together with our colleagues and customers, British Airways has proudly supported the DEC for almost ten years.

“Through 19 humanitarian appeals, we’ve helped raise £1.7million so far and know how important and impactful their work is for communities around the world.

“The funds raised by British Airways team through this charity match are going to support the DEC’s Pakistan Flood Appeal so we’re delighted to see our colleagues taking part.”