MSC Lab Cup
Now a much-loved annual tradition, the Laboratory Cup is more than just a football match—it’s a celebration of camaraderie and giving back. Teams from laboratories nationwide take to the pitch in a fun, high-energy event, with all funds raised matched by MSC and donated to a charity selected by the winning team.
Playing For a Purpose
Each year, the Lab Cup supports a charity that makes a real difference. In 2025, the chosen beneficiary was St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown. St. Francis Hospice provides specialist palliative care, free of charge, in North Dublin and surrounding counties, offering person-centred support for patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Past charities have included:
- St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown – Specialist palliative care
- Mental Health Ireland – Educating, empowering and Connecting Communities
- LauraLynn – Ireland’s only children’s hospice
- Peter McVerry Trust – Supporting those affected by homelessness and addiction
- The Irish Cancer Society – Advancing cancer research and patient care
- Bobby’s Wish To Walk – Funding vital therapy and surgery for a young boy with cerebral palsy
- Endometriosis Association of Ireland – Supporting women with endometriosis and driving research
Whether you’re in it to win it or just for the fun of the game, the MSC Lab Cup promises a fantastic day of sport, connection, and giving back.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What time does the Lab Cup start at?
Registration opens at 2.30 pm, with matches starting at 3.30pm.
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Is this a serious football tournament?
Both yes and no!
The event is professionally organised, with quality pitches at the National Sports Campus, referees, fixtures, changing facilities, refreshments, medals, prizes, and a post-tournament gathering.
That said, the Lab Cup is ultimately a fun charity event. The atmosphere is friendly and social, and the emphasis is on participation, networking, and enjoyment rather than ultra-competitive football.
We encourage teams to embrace the spirit of the day, support one another, and enjoy themselves — regardless of the scoreline!
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Will there be food/drinks afterwards?
Yes — all participants are invited to join us for the post-tournament gathering after the football concludes. A hot meal and drinks will be provided, along with prize presentations, networking, and a charity raffle. Full details and timings will be shared with participating teams closer to the event.
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Is there a cost to enter a team?
Yes — there is a team entry fee for the MSC Laboratory Cup.
Importantly, the entry fee is entirely in support of charity. MSC covers the organisational costs of the event itself, including the pitches, facilities, food, refreshments, and event logistics.
This means that all team entry fees, along with sponsorship support provided by our supplier partners, go directly towards the chosen charity or charities supported by the tournament.
Each year, thanks to the generosity of participating teams, suppliers, and attendees, the Lab Cup raises significant funds for very worthwhile causes.
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What if we are short players?
No problem — this happens regularly!
If your team is short players, please let us know in advance if possible. MSC will typically have a few additional players available on the day, and we can often help coordinate between teams who may have spare players or substitutes.
The goal is to make sure everyone gets to take part and that no team has to withdraw because of numbers.
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Do I need a full team to participate, or can I sign up on my own?
If you can’t form a complete team, that’s no problem. You can register as an individual player. MSC will place you on a team. Simply select the option to enter as an individual, and MSC will take care of the rest.
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What if we don’t have enough female players?
Each team must have at least two female players on the pitch at all times during matches.
If you are struggling to find enough female players for your squad, please let us know as early as possible. MSC will usually have a number of additional players available on the day who may be able to help, and in previous years teams have also shared players where needed.
The key thing is communication — the earlier we know, the easier it is for us to help make sure everyone can participate and enjoy the day.
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Can non-lab staff play?
Yes — we understand that some teams may include colleagues from other departments within their organisation, particularly where they work closely with or support the laboratory.
However, the Laboratory Cup is intended first and foremost as an event for the laboratory community, so we ask that teams are made up primarily of lab staff or those with a genuine connection to the lab.
The aim is to keep the tournament fun, inclusive, and social rather than overly competitive. We would therefore discourage teams made up predominantly of regular external football players with little connection to the laboratory environment.
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Any other questions?
