Peabody footballers: never knowingly undergoaled

A three-day football tournament provided the perfect opportunity for volunteers from John Lewis to pass on valuable advice about building a career in the retail sector to young people from Peabody Avenue and Tachbrook estates.

The tournament was held as part of John Lewis’ commitment to supporting local communities through fundraising and volunteering.

Get ready!: players line up in front of the goal

Between matches the 15 volunteers from John Lewis' head office and flagship Oxford Street store acted as informal mentors to the young footballers, providing useful insight on topics such as how to dress and behave at a job interview and different routes into the sector, including volunteering and weekend jobs.

John Lewis volunteer Simon Godwin said, "I see this as a good chance to give something back. It's a great way to get [the kids] in a relaxed environment. They seem to have more confidence when they are on the pitch and open up to you more than if they were sat in a room somewhere."

Ball control: players display their tackling skills

Fellow volunteer Amanda Blackburne said, "It was great to be involved and the football matches were very competitive and great fun. Our players got to break down barriers and there was a lot of camaraderie between us and the Peabody lads. After the games there was the opportunity to talk about what it's like to work for John Lewis and explain what the business is all about."

Peabody footballer Tony Mabbut, 18, was enthusiastic about the opportunities on offer.

"It was interesting to talk to the guys that have come down. They gave me some good advice about what I should do if I want a job. One guy told me I should try to get a trade and go to college a few days a week as it would help me. I told him I would teach him how to play football if he gave me a job!"

And the scores on the doors?

DAY 1 RESULTS

DAY 2 RESULTS

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