Young care leavers from across England will come together to participate at the National Championship Cup in Wolverhampton in June.

The annual football tournament for care experienced young people aged 16 to 24 is organised by the City of Wolverhampton Council's Reach Leaving Care Team and Wolves Foundation.

It will see 20 local authority six-a-side teams from around the country go head to head in a series of eight-minute matches, culminating with the final on the same day.

SUPPORT

The tournament was born out of a conversation with a young person who was no longer involved in football because he lacked the support network to take him to games and training.

A team of young people with care experience came together to form Wolverhampton Warriors and competed against teams from three other local authorities for the first Championship Cup in 2022. The tournament doubled in size in 2023 and was held at Molineux for the first time in 2024.

This year's event, on Saturday 14 June from 10am to 2pm, is set to be the biggest yet, with interest from councils as far away as North Yorkshire and Milton Keynes, resulting in 200 young people taking part.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This is a fabulous opportunity for care experienced young people to play on the hallowed turf of Molineux Stadium, and to follow in the footsteps of so many of their footballing heroes.

AVAILABLE

"It would be fantastic to fill Molineux and have as many people as possible there to cheer them on, so please make sure you get your free tickets when they become available."

The teams are playing for three cups, with one being the overall Championship Cup, and all players will receive a medal for taking part.

Organisers are keen to reach out to businesses who may be able to help by sponsoring either the trophies or the medals. For more information, email Heather Edwards at heather.edwards@wolverhampton.gov.uk or Sam Neath via Sam.Neath@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Read the full story on wolverhampton.gov.uk

This story supports these goals and missions: