10 Jul Local youngsters represent Huddersfield Town Foundation at Premier League Kicks Cup regional qualifiers 2025 

A group of local young people represented Huddersfield Town Foundation in the Under-16 mixed and Under-16 girls’ Premier League Kicks Cup regional qualifiers earlier this month.

Huddersfield Town Foundation joined Under-16 mixed and girls’ teams from across the region at the North Premier League Kicks tournament, hosted by Bradford City FC Community Foundation.

Nine regional tournaments were held 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 later this month.

Both teams performed admirably against their Northern rivals, which included the likes of Leeds United, Sheffield United and Barnsley, among others.

The mixed team qualified for the semi-finals of the competition, having narrowly lost out on penalties to Sheffield Wednesday. The girls’ team, meanwhile, reached the quarter-finals of their competition where they were defeated by Newcastle United.

Carla Barrick, Youth Engagement Manager for Huddersfield Town Foundation, said: “Both our Under 16’s mixed and girls’ team competed brilliantly during the tournament. 

“Both teams were excited ahead of the competition, which didn’t disappoint. It offered a fantastic opportunity for them to play competitive Football but also, more importantly, it was an opportunity for them to spend time together as a team.

“They attend our Premier League Kicks sessions every week and this is a great way to acknowledge and celebrate their commitment and dedication to the programme.” 

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.”

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.