The battle for the title of the ‘best football team in the travel industry’ will return to Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge stadium this year with the MSC Cup 2024.
The seven-a-side tournament, organised by MSC Cruises through its sponsorship of the west London club, will feature 10 teams going toe to toe on May 22 in aid of charity Reuben’s Retreat.
The event, run in partnership with Travel Weekly, raised more than £25,000 when it was held in 2019.
Antonio Paradiso, vice-president of international sales for MSC Group’s cruise division and the UK and Ireland managing director of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, said he was “delighted” about the competition returning. He added: “I am looking forward to another fun football tournament this year as we celebrate and support the incredible work of Reuben’s Retreat.”
Each squad will have 10 players, including at least two female competitors, with entries costing a minimum of £3,000. Each team can also purchase up to 10 tickets for spectators from £23 per person.
Reuben’s Retreat founder Nicola Graham said: “We are absolutely delighted that the MSC Cup is back, bringing together the kindest of hearts within the travel industry. We are incredibly grateful to Antonio and the team at MSC for their ongoing support and friendship.”
The Travel Network Group lift the inaugural MSC Cup in 2019
Match of the day
Stu Parish, UK chief executive of Travel Weekly parent company Jacobs Media, described the inaugural edition of the MSC Cup as a “brilliant day out” and encouraged travel’s footballers to dust off their boots for the 2024 tournament.
He said: “Travel Weekly is proud to be teaming up again with MSC Cruises and Reuben’s Retreat to stage the MSC Cup at Stamford Bridge. Spectators are likely to be treated to skills and techniques that have yet to be witnessed on Premier League turf . . .
“Travel Weekly has a long history of supporting Reuben’s Retreat, which does so much for families in the northwest of England and beyond, so we are delighted to continue our backing of this fantastic charity.”
Derbyshire-based Reuben’s Retreat provides a countryside setting that aims to relieve the distress of families who have a child suffering from a life-limiting or life-threatening illness or who have suffered a child bereavement. Services include counselling, support groups, activity and therapy days, short breaks for children and bereavement breaks.
Ready for kick-off? Enter a team!
|