The iconic St. George’s Park was the venue this summer for the latest edition of the Premier League Kicks Cup.
More than 180 young people from 24 professional football clubs took part in the Under-16 girls’ tournament, which celebrates the work that Premier League Kicks delivers throughout the year, as well as shining a light on the Premier League’s commitment to increasing opportunities for girls and young women to play.
More than 27,000 girls and young women took part in Premier League Kicks sessions last season.
Over 550 participants representing more than 70 professional football clubs were involved in regional qualifying tournaments in the hope of earning the chance to play in the tournament. At St. George’s Park they wore their club’s first-team playing kit while Premier League, EFL and Women’s Super League match officials took charge of the matches.
Our very own Premier League Kicks participant, Layla, was interviewed on the day.
“Being a part of Premier League Kicks gives you a good opportunity to play football as well as pathways for options in the future.
“Taking part in the Premier League Kicks Cup is really special because a lot of players don’t have the chance to play at St. George’s Park. I am so happy to be here. When we drove up it felt like being a professional player.
“It’s so good to be playing on pitches where England players have been. It’s been so much fun.
“Premier League Kicks is so much fun and it gives you good opportunities to play. They also provide pathways for other options that are available. It gives you something to do and you’re calmer knowing that you can go and play football.”
Premier League Kicks, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Charitable Fund, uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.
The Premier League is committed to providing better accessibility and more inclusivity for young female players and enhancing player development from grassroots to the elite game. Between 2022-25, the Premier League is investing £21m into women’s and girls’ football.
Within this is £10.5m for the grassroots game including £5.25m for the FA’s network of Girls’ Emerging Talent Centres (ETCs) and £3m for a new strategy for the FA Women’s National League. The Premier League also provides wide-ranging support to women and girls through its facilities funding and community programmes.
More than half a million people have benefited to date.
