Schaeffler’s IAAF five-a-side performance hailed a success

Schaeffler fielded a team in the inaugural IAAF five-a-side competition at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke

Schaeffler supported the IAAF by fielding a works team to take part in its five-a-side competition, which was held at the Bet365 stadium in Stoke on Thursday 22nd May.

Schaeffler’s digital marketing guru, Tony Yates, donned the sheepskin coat as team manager, whilst on the pitch, Territory Manager, Kieran Smith was captain. The squad was made up of a mix of Hereford and Birmingham office based staff, plus some of the external sales team. Key players included Product specialist, Brad ‘hotshot’ Adams, South West TM, Mike Hansford, Sales Analysis and Pricing Manager, Craig Rowlett, Warranty specialist, Jim Ridley, Technical & Projects Administrator, Andy Prout and Marketing Executive, Kian Patel.

Schaeffler United joined 23 other teams gathered from all areas of the aftermarket in a fantastic professionally organised tournament which began with six mini-leagues of four teams, with all of the teams progressing to a different second stage of the competition.

After three straight wins, Schaeffler United progressed to the Champions League section, beating Automechanika All Stars 3-1 in the quarter final, before despatching one of the tournament favourites, Elring Das Originals, 2-1 in the semi. That left them with one mountain left to climb, local Stoke based oil company team FUCHS United, who had made it to the final by scoring 19 goals without a single reply from an opponent.

Decked out in a striking Schaeffler branded green kit, the team eventually broke the FUCHS United defence and hold out for a 1-1 draw, which meant that the tournament winners were decided by a penalty shoot-out. The valiant Schaeffler squad missed out on the overall honours by a whisker, but coming away with a second place trophy from a competition that featured 24 teams was a just reward for some brilliant performances.

Schaeffler team manager, Tony Yates, commented: “We played really well throughout the tournament, with the always amazing Schaeffler team spirit leading us all the way to the final. Whilst we didn’t take home the winner’s trophy, coming second was a tremendous achievement, and the runners-up cup we received will be displayed proudly in the Schaeffler HQ in Hereford.

“It’s an old cliché, but it really was never about the winning, we all had a fantastic time at the Bet365 Stadium and would like to thank the IAAF for putting on such a truly amazing event.”