Young people representing Foundation of Light will take part in the Under-16 mixed and Under-16 girls’ Premier League Kicks Cup regional tournament, in a bid to secure their place at the 2023 finals.
Ten regional tournaments are being staged at community facilities across the country, with hundreds of young people representing Premier League, EFL and National League clubs.
Our teams will head to the University of Hull on 12 April, where they could face teams including Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday.
Should the two teams progress, Foundation participants will represent the official charity of Sunderland AFC in the 2023 Premier League Kicks Cup finals at the University of Warwick.
Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion are the current Premier League Kicks Cup champions, having won the Under-16 mixed and Under-16 girls’ tournaments respectively in 2022.
Premier League Kicks began in 2006/07 in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, with the aim of involving young people in regular, positive and fun activity, supporting them to create stronger, safer and more inclusive communities.
Premier League Kicks is the league’s longest-running community programme and sees more than 90 clubs, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales, run free weekly football sessions and positive activity to inspire young people to reach their potential.
Premier League Head of Community, Nick Perchard, said: “We know how important it is for young people to engage in physical activities and work together to develop their potential both on and off the pitch.
“The Premier League Kicks Cup regional tournaments provide opportunities for young people from different backgrounds to come together and learn from each other as they enjoy the excitement of representing their respective clubs in a high-profile competition.“
In addition to providing young people with access to free football and sports activities, professional football club community organisations 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.
Clubs also work with 36 police forces throughout the country to tackle issues affecting young people, with regular sessions taking place in disadvantaged areas.
Craig Martin, Kicks Lead at the Foundation of Light, said: “We are very excited to offer this opportunity to some of the young people who attend our Kicks sites on a weekly basis. The commitment, positivity and the support they show for others is the reason why Kicks is a success in this area.
“These tournaments allow us to integrate players from different sites and backgrounds, bringing them together to enhance their learning and experiences.”
All young people taking part in the ten regional tournaments will receive a specially created Premier League Kicks hoodie, thanks to the Premier League’s official ball supplier Nike.
Visit premierleague.com for more information.
Confirmed teams competing on 12 April:
Huddersfield
Newcastle
Sunderland
Hull
Sheffield Wednesday
Doncaster
Rotherham
Barnsley
Bradford
Middlesbrough
Sheffield United
Scunthorpe
Grimsby
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