Just For Friends International Team Challenge Raises £2,745 for Charity

Just For Friends International Team Challenge Raises £2,745 for Military vs Cancer and Sets a New Standard for Working Dog Events

The inaugural Just For Friends International Team Challenge brought together some of the UK's and Europe's most talented handlers, working spaniels and gundog enthusiasts for an unforgettable weekend at Papermill Park. Over two days, the event celebrated the skill, partnership and dedication that define the working dog community, while raising an incredible £2,745 for Military Vs Cancer along the way.

Here's a closer look at how the weekend unfolded, who took home top honors, and why this gundog competition is already set to return in 2027.

A Weekend Built to Celebrate Working Dogs

We created the Team Challenge to honor the bond between handler and dog. The event welcomed teams from England, Ireland, Wales, Norway, Team UK, Team Europe and the UK Ladies, each bringing their own talent and energy to the field.

Over the two days, competitors took on a series of demanding tests designed to replicate real working conditions. Many described the experience as one of the closest simulations to a true spaniel field trial, a testament to the care that went into planning every stage.

As a trusted supplier of natural dog food for working dogs, gundogs and active sporting dogs, Just For Friends was proud to sponsor and host an event that reflects exactly what our community stands for. Proper nutrition, strong training and genuine partnership all play a part in helping these dogs perform at their best. 

Final Results

1. England 
2. Ireland 
3. Wales 
4. Team UK
5. UK Ladies
6. Team Europe
7. Norway

A special mention goes to Eva Suselbeek from Team Europe. At just 16 years old, Eva delivered an exceptional performance throughout the weekend. Many competitors highlighted her as a young handler with a very bright future ahead, and we couldn't agree more.

A True Celebration of the Gundog Community

One of the most rewarding parts of the weekend was watching handlers, judges, volunteers and supporters come together through a shared passion for the working spaniel.

Competitors travelled from across the UK and Europe to take part, creating an atmosphere of sportsmanship, friendship and mutual respect. Many praised the quality of the tests, the smooth organisation and the chance to spend time with fellow handlers who share the same commitment to training and working their dogs.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Several competitors described the challenge as one of the closest experiences to a genuine spaniel field trial. Others spoke warmly about the friendships made, the camaraderie throughout the weekend and the welcome they received from organisers, volunteers and fellow competitors.

For Just For Friends, the event meant far more than a competition. It was a chance to celebrate the hardworking dogs that depend on proper nutrition, training and care to thrive. Supporting events like this remains a key part of our commitment to working dog owners, spaniel handlers, gundog trainers and sporting dog enthusiasts everywhere.

Alongside the competition, competitors and supporters came together to raise an outstanding £2,745 for charity. 

The generosity shown across the weekend was truly remarkable and highlighted the supportive spirit of the spaniel and gundog community. Our thanks go to everyone who bought raffle tickets, donated prizes, placed auction bids and gave so freely. Your support made a real difference and added another meaningful layer to an already memorable event.

Thank You to Everyone Who Made It Possible

An event of this scale only comes together thanks to the dedication and hard work of many people behind the scenes.

Our sincere thanks go to:

• Event organizer, Roger Wooldridge, for his vision and leadership
• The judges, Ben Randall and Ian Bogacki for their fairness and expertise across both days
• The volunteers, sponsors and supporters, whose efforts kept everything running smoothly
• Hosts Papermill Park, for their warm welcome and superb venue
• Glenn Whitehouse Photography, whose images perfectly captured the atmosphere, action and spirit of the weekend

Most importantly, thank you to every competitor who travelled to take part in the inaugural Just For Friends International Team Challenge and helped make it such a success. 

Looking Ahead to 2027

The response to this year's event has been exceptional, and we are delighted to confirm that the Just For Friends International Team Challenge will return in 2027.

Planning is already underway. Following the success of this first event, we are excited to welcome competitors, supporters and working dog enthusiasts back for what promises to be an even bigger and better weekend.

If you own, train or simply love working dogs, this is one event to keep on your radar. For the latest news, working dog nutrition advice, gundog feeding guidance and updates from the Just For Friends community, keep an eye on our website and social media channels. We can't wait to do it all again.

Photo credit: Glenn Whitehouse Photography.