Coventry Crosshairs vs St Vincent Sharks to raise funds for the Survivors Trust

Coventry College’s Esports team is raising funds to support survivors of sexual abuse by taking on one of the country’s top gaming collectives, joining players from across the globe for an evening of competitive gameplay. 

The Coventry Crosshairs have teamed up with St Vincent College’s acclaimed Esports team, the St Vincent Sharks, to raise funds for the Survivors Trust as part of World Esports Day on Saturday, October 23.

The team, based at St Vincent College in Gosport, Hampshire have made their name as one of the top teams in the British Esports Student Championships, and are hoping to break their joint £250 fundraising target by livestreaming contests with the Crosshairs across three popular online multiplayer games.

The event, which will see top players from each side do battle on Rocket League, Overwatch and first-person shooter Valorant, will be available to watch live on twitch.tv/coventrycrosshairs from 6pm on the evening of World Esports Day.

The matchups are being hosted to raise funds for The Survivors Trust, which provides services to those who are victims of sexual abuse.

The trust works with victims and survivors of all ages, all genders, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, including support for partners and family members.

Coventry College student Harry Bartlett said: “It’s a great cause and one that’s close to me, and I’m very excited about having the opportunity to help raise money for them.”

Martin Birch-Foster the team manager for St Vincent Sharks, said: “To be involved in this charity event is a privilege, Coventry Crosshairs are a leading team within the British Esports Association and have very similar values to us, the St Vincent Sharks.

“We want to make a difference along with the Crosshairs to support these survivors and empower them, so what better way to do this than on World Esports Day and celebrate both unique and diverse teams.”

Gemma Knott, Vice Principal for Business Growth, Engagement and Partnerships at Coventry College, said: “We are urging all Coventry College students and anyone connected with either team to help break the day’s fundraising target by giving what they can and making the evening a huge success by joining in on Twitch and sharing with friends.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/coventrycrosshairs