SPECSAVERS Kingston upon Thames and Surbiton were among several businesses to sponsor the world-famous English amateur football club, Corinthian-Casuals, and specifically the illustrious second instalment of the Egri Erbstein Tournament which took place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July.

As reigning champions, and tournament co-founders, Corinthian-Casuals hosted the event at their home ground, the United Business Group Stadium in Tolworth, Kingston-upon-Thames. Currently playing in the Isthmian Premier League, they are the highest-ranking amateur club in England.

The history behind the tournament goes back to 1904 when the Corinthians were on their maiden tour of Europe. Their first stop was Budapest, where they defeated three local sides and were so struck by the enthusiasm of their opponents that, on returning to the UK, they commissioned the making of a solid silver trophy. The Corinthian Cup was presented to the Hungarian Clubs by fellow amateurs Casuals FC when they toured in 1905. The Corinthian Cup became a regular part of the Hungarian football calendar over the coming years, with the notable team Budapesi Atletikai Klyb (BAK) taking part in the first edition of the competition in 1906.

Corinthian-Casuals returned to Budapest in 2019 to mark the special relationship between the two clubs and to celebrate amateur football at an international level. It was named the ‘Egri Erbstein Tournament’ to commemorate BAK’s most famous player, Ernő Egri Erbstein, a Holocaust survivor, who later became manager of the great Torino team that won five Italian League Championship titles in the 1940s before perishing in the Superga air disaster. Egri Erbstein’s achievements inspired the reformation of the tournament.

Four teams took part in the two day event, including the world’s oldest football club, Sheffield FC, founded in 1857 who were awarded the Order of Merit by FIFA in 2004. They currently play in the Northern League Division One. The international profile of contenders also included co-founders of the tournament, Budapesi Atletikai Klyb (BAK) and Hilltop FC, based in Stonebridge, north-west London, who are currently holders of the Somali British Champions League.

The tournament was a lively event, founded on an ethos of bringing communities together from across the world and uniting them through the power of football. So there were activities and family friendly sporting entertainment to cater for all age groups and supporters.

The winners of The Egri Erbstein Tournament 2022 were Sheffield FC, who were presented with The Corinthian Cup by Egri Erbstein’s grandson, Stefano de Bosio. Tournament medals were presented to the teams by Corinthian-Casuals chairman Brian Vandervilt, long-serving Corinthian-Casuals committee member and former player, David Harrison, and Sky Sports commentator and former Corinthian-Casuals player, Martin Tyler.

Specsavers Kingston-upon-Thames Retail Director, Guy Loveday, commented; ‘We are delighted to be sponsoring Corinthian-Casuals Football Club and the Egri Erbstein Tournament. It is a privilege to be part of such an historic event, and to be involved with a football club with its world renowned lineage. We very much believe in the ethos of supporting the local community at grass roots level.’
Richard Leach, Optometrist Partner, Specsavers Surbiton said; ‘It was an honour to be part of this event, which has really united people from all walks of life, cultures and backgrounds. We are looking forward to our continued support of Corinthian-Casuals during 2022 and into 2023. We wish them every success with their matches.’
Tournament Director and Corinthian-Casuals committee member Dominic Bliss said; ‘It was a truly special weekend that brought together teams with a shared ethos and remarkable stories, from various communities, using the power of football. Ernő Egri Erbstein’s impact on modern football has long been overlooked and this tournament is helping to introduce new generations to his achievements and their legacy.’