Players in the Virgin Media Business Wholesale team are following a strict fitness protocol with the aim of lifting The Big Goal National Trophy they won in 2024.
In the run-up to the Regional Finals, team boss Stephen Round has issued a set of guidelines to his players, namely no alcohol, bed by 10pm, gym training three times a week and a high-protein diet with no fizzy drinks, no chocolate and Greek yoghurt on tap.
“Following our heartbreaking failure to retain the trophy in 2025, we’ve taken some time to reflect on our performance and identify exactly what it will take to bring the title back home,” said Round (Strategic Account Director, VMB), who retained his role as Team Manager despite last year’s disappointment.
He is currently recruiting players he hopes will bring the title back to ‘the Reds’ but he readily admits bringing a big name into the team has eluded him.
“With another year passing, we’ve seen players come and go, so squad assessments will take place in the coming weeks to ensure we select those who are both fit and available for the challenge ahead. We can confirm that VM Wholesale did approach Mo Salah and Harvey Elliott for positions within the squad, given their ongoing club challenges at Liverpool and Aston Villa, but both have chosen to remain in their current employment. A big mistake in our opinion.”
Now entering his third year at the helm, Steve is an FA-qualified coach and, outside of his VM duties, manages his local U15S team in the high-pressure Midland Junior Premier League.
Adam Simons, also in his third year at The Big Goal, returns as team captain valued for his superb communication, calm leadership and unwavering positive mindset.
Competitiveness on the field of play aside, Virgin Media Business teams across the company are making the most of their continued involvement in The Big Goal, as Round explained: “The Big Goal creates a real annual buzz internally, and this year has been no different as it’s something our team is genuinely proud to be part of.
“We’re keeping momentum high, and our marketing team has been especially engaged, championing our involvement as a key part of our ESG strategy and amplifying stories across our internal and external channels such as monthly newsletters, our intranet and activity on social channels.
“We’ve also been actively encouraging our partners to get involved. Members of The Big Goal and the Street Soccer Foundation have been invited to join us at recent events to help drive wider awareness and inspire further participation. We’re proud that every contribution directly supports a tailored ESG/CSR programme aimed at helping end youth homelessness in the UK.
“Every employee at our organisation receives five ‘Take 5’ volunteer days annually, and we look to align these with community sports programmes and Street Soccer Foundation initiatives.
“We also remain proud of our close strategic relationship with Giacom, headline sponsors of The Big Goal. As a business deeply embedded in the telco industry, we’re committed to engaging and immersing ourselves in the initiatives that bring our community together for a greater purpose.
“Through support, funding has been provided for young people to join Street Soccer Academies across the country. These programmes are truly transformational, offering structure, mentorship, life skills and emotional support through the power of sport. One example of this was the collaboration between Virgin Media Business and Brentford FC Community Sports trust, in which participants felt they had learned bravery, confidence and belief.”
You can see more about Virgin’s tie-up with the Brentford FC Community Trust via the following link: Virgin Brentford FC
“These are just some of the things young people discover through the programme, made possible thanks to corporate partners choosing to back them and we look forward to supporting and evolving the relationship further over time,” added Round.
