Five a side in the Hospitality Cup Byron

BYRON Bay’s most prominent hospitality players are swapping uniforms and chef whites for soccer kits in the one-day, inaugural The Hospitality Cup Byron Bay.

The friendly five-a-side football match on Monday, October 28 is open to the public and kicks off at 10am, with group matches in the morning and knockout stages in the afternoon.

The lineup for the event at Byron Bay FC includes five Byron heavyweights: Rae’s, Pixie Italian, The Hut, Sainte Marie, The Smoking Camel and Pipit from Pottsville.

Industry friends from just over the border will join them: Sandbar from the Gold Coast and Hellenika, Supernormal and Anyday Group from Brisbane.

Sport Together founder Jean-Baptise Dumas started the competition in Melbourne in 2019 to bring the hospitality industry together to have fun, network and celebrate the spirit of teamwork, as well as to raise money for worthwhile causes.

After the last few years in Melbourne and the first Sydney edition last month, the competition has moved further north.

Dumas said he wanted the event to have a purpose and for the industry to support those in need.

“We’ve partnered with The Big Issue to raise funds for their Street Soccer Program and raise awareness of the important work they do to support the homeless community,” he said.

The initiative uses the power of sport to change lives, offering free weekly soccer sessions, equipment, dedicated coaches, and support staff in communities across Australia to encourage getting active, making new friends and support in a fun and safe environment.

Supporting event partners for the Hospitality Cup include Umbro, Papa Salt, Isla Vodka, Red Bull, and Capi.

The community is invited to head down and cheer on their favourite hospitality teams. For more information and registration, visit @thehospitalitycup on Instagram or sporttogether.com.au/register.