Current and former Players turned out in force to show their support for Restart and, following a brief tutorial from members of AFEX’s transactions team, they took to the trading floor to hit the phones and use their talents to raise valuable funds for their fellow players.
The event took place at AFEX’s headquarters in central London with a number of their top clients present to witness players including Alex Goode, James Simpson-Daniel and Dan Norton completing trades on behalf of Restart.
Saracens and England full-back Goode summed up just how important it is to have a charity like Restart in place: “As players we are acutely aware that rugby doesn’t last forever and our career could end at any moment. Having a charity like Restart in place to help pick up the pieces and rebuild your career is invaluable and it’s great to see so many of the guys here at AFEX today showing their support and helping to raise funds for our fellow professionals.”
Rachel Hollos, Global Marketing Director of AFEX, said: “The trading event was a great success and we’re delighted that we managed to raise £10,000 for Restart. Working with the RPA Business Club and player’s works in unison with our company strategy, we also believe that it’s vital to support players on and off the pitch. We’d like to thank all the players who helped and did an amazing job on the phone, we have a lot of happy clients today!”
Damian Hopley, Group CEO of the RPA, said: “The support from both AFEX and the players has been typically outstanding. It has been great to watch the player’s competitive instincts coming out during the afternoon’s activities and I am sure this day has given a real insight into opportunities that are available to players who interact with RPA partners as well as supporting their own charity that is close to all of our hearts.”
In addition to the funds raised on the day the RPA and AFEX are also running an online charity auction, which offers the chance to bid on some spectacular lots including a trip to the final day of The Masters, a limited edition Mike Brown canvas and a table for 9 guests hosted by a current or former player at the RPA Players’ Awards 2015. The auction closes at midnight on Friday 24th October, visithttp://afex.auction-bid.org/micro2.php for more details.
