The controls technology company brings its values and philosophy to the beautiful game with winning results.

Proserv’s five-a-side squad that took on all-comers in the recent Aberdeen Business Fives tournament was pictured, in-between games, in front of a large banner displaying the Brazilian flag and a reference to the world-famous Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

It might not have been “just like watching Brazil” but Proserv’s team certainly took no prisoners as it enjoyed a commanding run to the Aberdeen Business Fives Champion’s League Final. Proserv had started out among 28 teams bidding to secure one of just three available slots at the Scottish National Final taking place in Glasgow later in October.

The squad had never played together before and consisted of four members from Proserv’s Westhill corporate HQ and four from its nearby facility in Skene, the company’s Aberdeen service and global IWOCS centre.

Impressively, the team battled through the group stages, quarter-finals and semi-finals to make it to a final where they were ultimately defeated by the structurally sound set-up of chartered surveying firm Shepherd – but booked a deserved place at the National Final in the process.

Along the way, Proserv had edged out Baker Hughes in the group stages, beaten OneSubsea in a high scoring quarter-final and put on a bit of South American style in a comfortable 6-2 semi-final win over Red Wing.

Skene’s Stuart Rogie, described by captain and defensive general Gordon Paul as “unquestionably Paul Scholes-esque”, was a star turn for Proserv bagging the overall competition Golden Boot on the day with 17 of the team’s 29 goals. But Gordon was also quick to praise the entire team effort:

“At Proserv we say, ‘forward as a team’ and this really was the case. From Duncan in goal, more naturally at home with rugby than football, yet he put in 100% and made key saves, to tricky and skilful winger Kenny providing many chances, Andrew with an eye for the spectacular and often a dangerous supersub, through to Morgan and Declan who were both great all-rounders and vital squad members.”

Mercurial midfield playmaker Kriss Melvin emphasised the way the Proserv team went about its business, as much as its success.

“It was great to see how the team on the day genuinely reflected the company’s values and way of doing things. The games were keenly fought and competitive but the whole Proserv team retained a sporting and respectful outlook throughout, always playing hard but fair. Of course, we were the ones generally handing out the defeats!”

Both Kriss and Gordon were keen to spotlight how the day’s events were ultimately a credit to all who took part with almost £10,000 raised for various local charities and Proserv’s share allocated to Mental Health Aberdeen.

An injury-hit and potentially depleted team is likely to journey to Glasgow for the National Final but both Kriss and Gordon stressed that whoever dons the Proserv top on the day “will give 110%”.

But Proserv’s other Aberdeen based facility at Tullos was not likely to be overshadowed for long. Again, forming a squad with no previous matches or training together, the team assembled for the OGV Energy Charity Tournament played in the city at the end of September in aid of cancer support organisation Maggie’s Aberdeen.

Matching the achievements of Proserv’s Westhill and Skene team, the Tullos squad breezed through three group stage wins, displaying the sort of flowing football you’d expect from the company’s Sampling Centre of Excellence.

The games got tighter as the tournament progressed and after a quarter-final triumph, Proserv’s Tullos team faced a closely fought semi-final, ultimately sneaking through on sudden-death penalties, with Mark Shepherd the hero between the sticks providing a vital game-winning save.

In the final itself, up against the total football of Dutch dredging and lifting company Boskalis, a battling Proserv was edged out 2-1.

David Russell, Tullos’ player-coach and “Roy Keane” of the midfield similarly praised the team ethos that was core to its success.

“This was a group where everyone played their part. Artur was a rock in our defence while Sean displayed the killer instincts up front. Cameron Chyla was voted our best player on the day but the cultured feet of Callum, Jack’s solid presence in midfield and Finlay’s never-say-die attitude all contributed hugely to our fine run to the final.”

General Manager, Sampling at the Tullos site, Sean Andersson added:

“It was great to see our Tullos team come together in this way and having such success despite not having played any warm-up games beforehand – it really shows the power of teamwork and commitment.

“To have two Proserv teams progressing to finals in this way is highly impressive and congratulations too to the Westhill and Skene squad. But perhaps what we need to know now is – which Proserv team is the ultimate one….so game on!”