Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) successfully hosted the London Premier League Kicks Cup regional qualifying tournament at Sparrows Lane for the second year running, welcoming 13 London clubs to the club’s training ground. The Premier League Kicks Cup is one of the competition elements of Premier League Kicks, the Premier League’s longest-running community programme, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in March as part of the Premier League’s More Than a Game campaign.
Young people representing sides from across the capital once again flocked to SE9 to compete for their clubs alongside Charlton in both mixed and girls’ competitions, with a high standard of football on display throughout the day. Watford claimed the mixed title with victory over Millwall in the final, while Millwall’s girls’ side were crowned champions after overcoming Leyton Orient. Both sides will now feature in the national finals of the competition, which will be held later this year at St George's Park.
Charlton’s Premier League Kicks participants were supported on the day by the club’s first-team players, with Jayden Fevrier and Ibrahim Fullah visiting the boys’ team, while Gracie Pearse spent time with the girls’ side during the tournament. The event also welcomed PFA Community Liaison Executive Ashley Hodson, who attended to support the club’s players in their community roles, while also meeting young people taking part and joining in with activities across the day.
Alongside the tournament, participants took part in a series of off-pitch workshops designed to encourage discussion around inclusion and community safety. Reon Stewart, Education Manager at Kick It Out, delivered an anti-racism workshop which raised awareness of what discriminatory behaviour can look like in football and how young people can support teammates who may experience it.
The Metropolitan Police’s Territorial Support Group were also in attendance and led an interactive session designed to break down barriers between young people and the police, while offering insight into their work at protests and football matches, including showcasing their specialist equipment.
Premier League Foundation Chief Executive Alex White said: “Premier League Kicks regional tournaments create opportunities for thousands of young people to come together and represent their clubs on the pitch in a fun, competitive environment. While we know that many young people come to weekly Premier League Kicks sessions for the football skills, the off-pitch activities available at those and at tournaments help to empower young people to build important life-skills, discover their potential and build brighter futures beyond the game.”
CACT Premier League Kicks and Mentoring Coordinator Josh Eales added: “The tournament hosted by CACT was a fantastic example of how Premier League Kicks can break down barriers and bring young people together by providing them with unique opportunities. We had young people taking part in football, pickleball, engaging with our youth engagement vehicles and much, much more. Without Premier League Kicks and the power of the programme, all this would not be possible.”
Click here to learn more about CACT's free Premier League Kicks sessions.