Young people representing Port Vale will take part in the Under-16 mixed Premier League Kicks Cup regional qualifier.
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.
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.”
Port Vale Foundation will join eleven Under-16 mixed teams at the West Midlands Premier League Kicks regional tournament hosted by Aston Villa Foundation
Community Engagement Manager, Sarah Minshall, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our young players to test themselves in a competitive environment, represent Port Vale, and experience the values of teamwork, resilience and respect that the programme promotes. We’re excited to see them showcase their talent and enjoy the occasion.”
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.
Visit premierleague.com for more information.