Find out how you can get involved in this years mixed Students vs Staff Charity Football match
We’re gearing up for the return of the Students vs Staff Charity Football match. With the Staff team coming out victorious last year, we’re looking for male and female players to see who will tip the scales this year. The overall score is 3 a piece with the Staff team pulling it level in its sixth match last year. We’re looking for players to start training and get prepared for selection closer to the match.
What is the Students vs Staff Charity Football match?
The competitive match is played between a mixed (male and female) Student and Staff Team, usually at Fratton Park, the home of Portsmouth Football Club. The event raises money for various charities and raised over £12,000 for Portsmouth in the Community and the Portsmouth Futures Fund. Last year also saw the first mixed game, approved by the FA to ensure the event was more inclusive than it had previously been. You don’t need to be a great footballer or even play competitively now. Footballing experience is useful, but we’re really interested in those who can raise money for some charities that do fantastic work in our Portsmouth community.
The match is organised by the University’s Sport and Recreation team at Ravelin Sports Centre, with support from Portsmouth Football Club (PFC) as part of a partnership that continues to offer unique opportunities for student engagement and development. Students will again be encouraged to volunteer at the event, providing practical skills and gaining work experience at a Championship football ground. Last year, students operated the cameras used to show the game on the big screen, used the PA for key messages, took pitchside photography, and promoted on social media.
How do you get involved?
We want to give both teams plenty of time to get some pitch time, benefit from some coaching and fitness work to make the game as competitive as possible. We’re in contact with the FA to ensure the mixed game is a feature that can continue.
Training starts on Tuesday 17, 2.00-4.00pm for the student team and Wednesday 18 March, 7.00-9.00pm for the staff team. Both sessions will be held weekly at Langstone Sports Site, but are subject to change on a weekly basis. Both student and staff sessions are free to attend; booking is required.
Train for the Student team
Register your interest using the form, and the student coaching team will contact you to book you into sessions for free.
Train for the Staff team
Register your interest using the form and come along to Staff Football training sessions and the Squad Trials on Wednesday 1 April.
Staff can also access the ‘Staff Football’ drop-in sessions, which are free for members and £2 for non-members. Sessions take place in Ravelin Sports Centre weekly on Tuesday between 1.00-2.00pm. Head to the Sports Clubs’ tile on the UOP Sport app, select ‘Club Bookings’ and select the ‘Staff Football’ to book your space.
Stepping onto the pitch and being part of the match is truly special. As a Pompey fan, it’s always great visiting Fratton Park, but to do it with the University of Portsmouth creates a really unforgettable night. It’s a powerful celebration of community, inclusivity and the chance to have a direct impact on the Portsmouth community. Raising over £12,000 for Pompey in the Community and the Portsmouth Futures fund has helped support life-changing programmes across the city. This year, we want passionate students and staff to take the impact further. Get involved, bring your energy to Fratton Park and play your part in a match that unites, inspires and changes lives – you won’t regret it.
What will I get out of taking part?
Aside from the volunteering opportunities and work experience the match offers, players will get the chance to train with like-minded students and staff. You’ll get to grace the hallowed turf of Fratton Park, you’ll prepare like a pro on a matchday using the fantastic changing areas at Fratton Park and play on the pitch. You’ll also contribute to fundraising efforts for two amazing causes that benefit both students and the local community.
Catch up on the 2025 match
We raised over £12,000 in 2025 and will be looking to support two local charities again for 2026. Catch up on all the action from last year's match.