24 April

The Leathersellers team sign up to The Lord Mayor’s Cup

Taking place Friday 27 June, The Lord Mayor’s Cup is a 5-a-side charity football tournament hosted by Lord Mayor Alderman Alastair King DL in aid of The Lord Mayor's Appeal.

Set to be an unforgettable day of football, fun and fundraising, we’re welcoming companies to put forward mixed teams of up to 8 people.

To celebrate the upcoming knock out tournament, we caught up with 2025 participants, The Leathersellers...

Tell us about The Leathersellers?

The Leathersellers is a 600-year-old organisation in the City of London. Its members and staff work towards the long-term stewardship of assets and support the work of the Leathersellers’ Foundation. Combined they are focused on enabling individuals and communities, fostering opportunity through education, and supporting the leather industry.

The Leathersellers was established by Royal Charter in 1444 to regulate the leather trade in the City of London and support the welfare of those working within it. This enduring charitable purpose continues today through the Leathersellers’ Foundation - a grant funder with its own independent income, generated from its investment portfolio.

From this the Foundation distributes around £4m annually to a range of charities, educational partners, and projects in the leather industry.

Charity – The Foundation’s Main Charity Grants Programme focuses on supporting charities working to prevent and tackle the consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Other funding programmes are focused on grassroots community organisations and responding to emerging challenges.

Education – Educational programme funding is primarily awarded to Colfe’s School and the Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools in south-east London, as well as the Undergraduate Student Grants Programme, which has been helping students access higher education since 1602.

Leather - We support the leather industry by funding programmes for industry and artisan craftspeople, education and fashion, and heritage and conservation.

Within the City of London, the Leathersellers works with partners to support a shared charitable, civic, and cultural landscape.

Tell us why you’re taking part in The Lord Mayor’s Cup 2025?

Captain of the Leathersellers’ team, Ralph-Lewish Ackah says:

“Football has always been a sport that unites - bringing people together from different backgrounds who share a common purpose. That same spirit inspired the creation of the Leathersellers football team back in 2023.

Our vision was simple: to bring accessible, enjoyable football to the heart of the City of London. Two years on, our side has grown to a lively, committed group of 15 players. We now proudly represent the Leathersellers at regular fixtures against fellow livery teams across the City of London.

Yet, we knew there was more we could do to combine our love of football and the shared charitable ambition of the Leathersellers and the City of London. That’s why we are thrilled to be entering the Lord Mayor’s Cup this June in support of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and their vision of a better City for all.”

Find out more about The Lord Mayor’s Cup here