Youngsters represent Sunderland at Premier League Kicks Cup national finals

Foundation of Light proudly represented Sunderland AFC at the 2026 Premier League Kicks Cup national finals at St George's Park National Football Centre.

More than 380 young people from across England and Wales came together for the national showcase, celebrating the Premier League Kicks programme and competing to be crowned national champions.

Premier League Kicks, the Premier League's flagship community programme, celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Delivered by clubs across England and Wales, the programme provides free weekly football sessions and positive activities designed to engage and support young people, with the Kicks Cup offering participants the opportunity to represent their club on a national stage.

Foundation of Light's team earned their place at St George's Park after progressing through the regional qualifying tournament earlier this year. Alongside competing against some of the country's strongest community teams, participants also took part in a range of workshops and activities focused on wellbeing, creativity and personal development.

Premier League Foundation Chief Executive Alex White said: "For more than two decades, Premier League Kicks has played a vital role in opening doors for young people, using the power of football to inspire, support and connect communities across England and Wales. The programme continues to reach hundreds of thousands of participants, providing free, inclusive opportunities in the areas that need them most.

"By creating safe and welcoming environments, Premier League Kicks helps young people build confidence, develop positive relationships and feel a sense of belonging. The Premier League Kicks Cup is a powerful celebration of this impact, bringing young people together to enjoy the game, create lasting friendships and showcase their potential both on and off the pitch."

Craig Martin, Premier League Kicks Coordinator at Foundation of Light, added: "To reach the Premier League Kicks Cup national finals was a fantastic achievement and one our young people thoroughly deserved. They represented Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC and their communities with real pride throughout the tournament, showing teamwork, respect and resilience both on and off the pitch."

Alongside the football, participants had the opportunity to meet members of the Premier League Youth Voice Board, visit the Premier League Trophy, create personalised Topps trading cards and receive a pair of PUMA football boots to mark the 20th anniversary of Premier League Kicks.

Premier League Kicks was launched in 2006 to engage young people in regular, positive activities through the power of football, helping to create stronger, safer and more inclusive communities.

Today, Foundation of Light delivers free Premier League Kicks sessions across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, providing young people with safe spaces to play football, build confidence, develop life skills and access mentoring and wider support within their local communities.

Since its launch, more than 600,000 young people have participated in Premier League Kicks sessions delivered by 93 professional football club charities across England and Wales, with the Premier League investing more than £96 million in the programme through the Premier League Foundation.