Port Vale FC have joined forces with their Premiership neighbours Stoke City FC to launch the first ever Potteries Under 18s Kicks World Cup.

The competition is set to take place in June with local sports venues Power League Stoke and Goals Soccer Centre accommodating the group stages and Northwood Stadium hosting the Semi Finals and Final.

Coaching staff from Vale in the Community and Stoke City Community Trust will work in partnership to ensure the smooth running of the competition throughout.

Vale player Chris Birchall, who has previously played in the World Cup for Trinidad and Tobago, attended the launch today at Northwood Stadium to help Geoff Cameron of Stoke City make the draw for the Group stages.

Chris Birchall said: “When I was much younger I played in a sports tournament called SPACE it was fantastic for my confidence and team building and most importantly was a lot of fun to be a part of something with the wider community. I have great memories of it and I'm sure these kid's will feel the same about the World Cup Kick Tournament.

“Children often dream about being a professional footballer and that will be heightened during the World Cup. Its great that this year in Stoke they will be able to represent there chosen country and play in a competition emulating the World Cup in Brazil.

“Me and Geoff helped to select the countries for each team and I'm glad I could be a part of the tournament in some way. 

“My own World Cup experiences seem a lifetime ago but are still something I will never forget. 

“It's really nice that the entire community is working together on this project for the Children in Stoke. There may be a rivalry if Port Vale and Stoke met on the pitch but there isn't any in regards to the community.”

Community Trust Manager Jim Cooper said: “When I was approached by Stoke City to give support to this event I didn’t hesitate. 

“Although both clubs are competitors in the football arena these types of events demonstrate how both clubs through their respective community trusts can work together in partnership for the benefit of the Stoke on Trent communities”.

For further information on fixture dates or to support the event contact Ben Gibson 01782 592130