Hosted by Wigan Athletic Community Trust young people took part in the Under 16 mixed & Under 16 Girls Premier League Kicks Regional Qualifiers.
Nine regional tournaments are being staged at community facilities across the country, with hundreds of young people representing Premier League, EFL and National League clubs, hoping to win the opportunity to represent their club in the Premier League Kicks Cup 2025 finals at St George’s Park in July.
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are the current Premier League Kicks Cup champions, having won the Under-16 mixed and Under-16 girls’ tournaments respectively in 2024.
Yesterday the Salford City FC representatives competed as two Under 16 teams to the Premier League Kicks Regional Cup, hosted by Wigan Athletic Community Trust. They faced some serious opposition – including the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Burnley FC as well as 5 other clubs from the North-West area.
The U16 girls team made it to the final – and won 1-0 against Bolton Wanders to be crowned Regional Champions! This means they’ll now go on to represent Foundation 92 at the national finals at St George’s Park in July.
Our mixed team showed amazing spirit and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Their effort and attitude earned them the Fair Play Award, which also books them a spot in the national finals.
The Premier League Kicks Cup tournament is one of the competition elements of Premier League Kicks. The programme uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas of England and Wales.
Premier League Charitable Fund Chief Executive, Ruth Shaw OBE, said: “Premier League Kicks gives young people the opportunity to access free football in their local community.
“Over 1,400 young people from 93 professional football club community organisations will take part in the regional tournaments, where they will enjoy competitive football and make friends along the way. They will also have the chance to engage in activities that will help them develop on and off the pitch.”
Head of Programmes at Foundation 92, Jess Peers said: “It’s days like today that show exactly why the work we do matters. We’re not just delivering football sessions – we’re creating real, meaningful opportunities for young people in our communities to thrive, grow and shine on some of the biggest stages. The leadership, teamwork and resilience shown today are a credit to the players, to Foundation 92, and to everyone who helps make this kind of impact possible.”
In addition to providing young people with access to free football and sports activities, professional football club community organisations (CCOs) also provide additional year-round support through Premier League Kicks.
This includes offering mentoring, life-skills advice and access to opportunities such as volunteering and social action to help aid personal development.
Premier League Kicks began in 2006. Since then, more than 550,000 young people have participated in Premier League Kicks football and multi-sport sessions delivered by 93 Premier League, English Football League and National League sides. More than one million hours of sessions have been delivered across England and Wales.
To date, the Premier League has invested more than £91.7 million in Premier League Kicks through the Premier League Charitable Fund.
For more information about our Premier League Kicks Project please contact [email protected]