The Operational Teams at IWJS and Anglian Water have recently taken part in a seven-a-side football match as part of a move to strengthen working relationship between IWJS and Anglian Water.

The match was suggested by Tom Balfour, Water Recycling Network Manager at Anglian Water to David Eade, Compliance Director at IWJS. Sam Stannard, Operations Manager at IWJS assisted Tom in putting the match together.

The aim of the match was to create an environment where IWJS and Anglian Water could work very closely, in a fast-paced, reactive environment, strengthening their bond. The businesses have worked together for more than 20 years.

Football is a great sport for fitness, which can improve mental health and encourage activity. It was a great opportunity for the staff from both organisations to meet in an informal atmosphere. The longer-term goal being to play more regularly and incorporate more people.

The IWJS head office is in Woolpit, Suffolk and the Anglian Water Team is based in Whitlingham, Norfolk. Both sides have a fair share of Norwich City Fans and Ipswich Town Fans. Norwich and Ipswich have been football rivals going back many years. However, when the two sides play, they put aside rivalries, have fun and encourage wellbeing.

IWJS came out on top in the match, becoming proud recipients of the IWJS vs Anglian Water Challenge cup with a 10-4 win. A rematch is already being planned, with scope to involve other Anglian Water departments and IWJS depots, with charitable affiliations.

Tom Balfour said: “It was great to bring both businesses together and promote summer wellbeing.”

Sam Stannard said “These two teams of people, work closely together and have to deliver under pressure using a strong combination of innovation and experience. It’s through collaborative working and strong bonds that a better, quicker and safer service can be provided. Experiences like this help to deepen those bonds, strengthen relationships and provide a better service.”

The Anglian Water team was:

Paul Thurling – Network Support tech

Martin Church – Field tech

Tom Balfour - WRN network manager

Russell West - Field tech

Matt Hill – Field tech

Jake Hannant – Agile resource

Chris White – Field tech

Harvey Marczewski-Newman – Field tech

Adam Thompson – Works process controller

Dave Underwood – Field tech

Dom Annis – Field tech

Marco Mandis – Field tech

The IWJS team was:

Dave Galloway – Operations Planners

Bradley Harrington – Assistant Accountant

Marcus Cooper- Operative

Lewis Phelps – CCTV Rig Leader

Jarrod Evans – Operative

Tom Edgar – Van Pack Operative

Ian Walker – IMR Project Manager

Alfie Foster – CCTV Administrator

Aaron Britton – Southern CCTV Manager

Marcus Cumberbatch – Operative

Brendan Payne – Depot Supervisor

Sam Stannard – Operations Manager

Matthew Bull – Depot Supervisor

Martin Daniels – Operative