Two teams representing Watford FC and Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust, joined nearly 400 young people from across England and Wales at St George’s Park National Football Centre to take part in the Premier League Kicks Cup. The Cup was held over two days, with 47 under-16 teams coming together to celebrate the year-round work of the Premier League Kicks programme.
The Hornet’s teenagers performed admirably with the team in the mixed category, getting through to the final, ultimately finishing runners-up; whilst the girls finished eighth in the final standings. It was a feat to even make the finals hosted at the home to all of England’s national men’s, women’s and para football teams, with over 800 participants representing more than 90 professional football clubs taking part in regional qualifying tournaments earlier this year. They were competing for the chance to play at the Premier League Kicks Cup finals, playing in the kit of their professional football club side, and not one, but both the Watford teams progressed.
Premier League Kicks, the Premier League’s flagship community programme, sees clubs across England and Wales run free weekly football sessions and positive activity to engage and support young people. This tournament was one of the competition elements of the programme.
Premier League Charitable Fund Chief Executive, Alex White, said:
“For 20 years, Premier League Kicks has championed inclusion and created opportunities for young people across England and Wales. The programme has had a transformative impact, providing free access to football for more than half a million young people, right in the heart of their communities.
“By offering safe, supportive spaces to play, Premier League Kicks helps build stronger, safer communities in areas of highest need. The Premier League Kicks Cup brings this mission to life, giving young people the chance to form friendships, engage in positive experiences, and unlock their potential on and off the pitch.”
Premier League Kicks will soon celebrate 20 years of community impact, having begun in Season 2006/07 in partnership with the Metropolitan Police. Its aim is to involve and support young people in regular, positive and fun activity, helping to create stronger, safer, more inclusive communities.
Today, clubs work with 43 territorial police forces throughout the country to tackle issues affecting young people, with regular sessions taking place in disadvantaged areas. Club charities also provide additional year-round support through the Premier League Kicks programme including mentoring, life skills advice and access to opportunities such as volunteering and social action projects to aid personal development.
Representatives from police forces, local authorities and local government joined the Premier League and Premier League Charitable Fund at the tournament to explore further opportunities to work together to support young people.
This season’s Premier League Kicks Cup finals also supported players’ mental health and wellbeing by offering participants the opportunity to take part in a range of additional activities and workshops run by Beyond Equality.
Thanks to the Premier League’s Official Ball Supplier, PUMA, participants received a PUMA goodie pack and all fixtures across the event were played with Season 2025/26 PUMA Orbita Premier League match balls.
Premier League Kicks Manager at Watford FC’s CSE Trust said:
“The Premier League Kicks Cup provides our participants with the opportunity to play football in a fun, safe and inclusive environment, where they can meet young people from other backgrounds and communities.
We were proud of our young people reaching the Kicks Cup national finals, performing well and representing us brilliantly – it shows the talent, teamwork and dedication we see every week.”
Visit premierleague.com for more information, or to find our more about the Trust’s local delivery in Hertfordshire and Harrow, contact michael.williams@watfordfc.com
