Who are SMS?

SMS is a vibrant, international community based group that prides itself on its values, the three main components of SMS, to support, motivate and serve.

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SMS was formed in the UK in 2001 by pharmacist Bobby Mehta, it was designed as a simple weekly event for friends and community members to come together and play 5-a-side football and to develop new friendships and networks. The initial idea was to have a safe and enjoyable outlet for people to expend their energy and enthusiasm whilst improving their health through sport. 

During the first two years, SMS strengthened and developed a core membership of committed and enthusiastic people from a diverse range of backgrounds enjoying each others company and playing football. This commitment and enthusiasm was harnessed in an effort to integrate SMS into the community and to integrate the community into SMS. This was achieved by SMS embarking on a new phase of involvement in community and charitable activities. 

As the voluntary membership grew, with SMS members encouraged to involve their friends and family members, we were able to become involved with an ever wider range of events, activities and initiatives.

In 2010, SMS reached a fantastic milestone in our history when we were nominated for, and won, a prestigious award from the Mayor of London for our charitable work in the community, especially in relation to the promotion of sports and adopting a healthier lifestyle. SMS won the prestigious award once again in 2013, further strengthening the desire to strive to work even harder to achieve our goals.

Here are just a few of the great events we have organised over the years!

In 2015, SMS raised much needed funds for Oxfam Australia to support the relief efforts following the devastating  earthquake in Nepal. The Charity Soccer Challenge raised $2,000 for this fabulous cause and was supported by a number of teams from the Ballarat area.

In response to the destructive floods ravaging Queensland in 2011, SMS undertook one of its most ambitious projects by organising two separate football matches on the same date, one in Ballarat (Australia) and the other in Slough (UK). Both matches took place on 20th February 2011 and collectively raised an impressive £2,300 for the Australian Red Cross.