Simply crowned champions of inaugural Leasing Foundation Cup

The first-ever Leasing Foundation Cup netball tournament brought together more than 20 teams from across the asset finance industry yesterday for an afternoon of netball, networking and fundraising in support of Coach Core Foundation.

Held at Powerleague Waterloo in London, the mixed 7-a-side netball tournament combined competitive action with industry camaraderie, as lenders, brokers, technology providers and professional services firms took to the courts in what organisers described as a hugely successful inaugural event.

By the end of the day, Simply Asset Finance were crowned overall champions, while Lombard were named plate winners.

Participants praised the atmosphere throughout the event, with many already calling for the tournament to return in 2027 after a strong turnout and positive feedback from across the sector.

The tournament was organised by the Leasing Foundation as part of its wider charitable and community initiatives, with proceeds supporting Coach Core Foundation’s work helping young people facing barriers into employment through sport-based apprenticeships and training opportunities.

A major highlight of the day was the involvement of Eboni Usoro-Brown, the former England international, Commonwealth Games gold medallist and current president of England Netball, who supported the event as an ambassador for Coach Core Foundation.

The tournament featured 20 company teams alongside a Leasing Foundation All Stars side, with firms from across the asset finance ecosystem taking part, including Acquis, Aldermore Bank, Alfa, Allica Bank, Arkle Finance Ltd, DF Capital, Funding Circle UK, Funding Xchange, Lendscape, Lombard, Metro Bank (UK), Novuna, Propel Finance, Shire Leasing PLC, Simply Asset Finance, Solaris Law – Commercial, Tower Leasing and United Trust Bank.

Ahead of the tournament, James Lovett, co-lead of the Leasing Foundation Giving Channel, who masterminded the initiative, said the aim was to bring the industry together in a different and more inclusive way.

“This is about bringing the industry together in a different way,” he said. “We wanted to create something that feels inclusive, a bit competitive and, most importantly, fun. If we can do that while raising meaningful funds for Coach Core Foundation and supporting the work they do with young people, then that’s a great outcome.”

With strong attendance, enthusiastic participation and widespread support from across the industry, the inaugural Leasing Foundation Cup appears to have laid the foundations for a new annual fixture in the asset finance calendar.