UK FOOTBALL FOR GOOD DAY
THE STREET SOCCER ACADEMY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS TROPHY TOURNAMENT
The second instalment of the UK Football For Good Day took place on Friday 22 November 2024, where the Street Soccer Foundation hosted its National Academy ‘Champions Trophy’ event, played out at the iconic London Stadium for the second year running.
A total of 18 teams took part in the 5-a-side competition, with a little under 200 young people in attendance, all brought together from across the country (the world in fact!).
Through the valued partnerships in place with several professional football clubs and specifically, their club community organisations (CCOs), teams represented the following on the day: Peterborough United, Liverpool, Hull City, Chelsea, West Ham United, Everton, Leicester City, Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday, Wycombe Wanderers, Crystal Palace, AFC Wimbledon, Sunderland and Portsmouth.
All those taking part were young people typically aged between 18-30, and although predominantly male, the Foundation was delighted to welcome two exclusive female-only cohorts, from Everton and West Ham United – whose game against each other was a particular highlight! Their participation was a very welcome addition, and new and additional female-only Street Soccer Academies are planned for 2025.
With matches taking place throughout the day on the Community Stadium pitch adjoined to the London Stadium and inside the Olympic Park, young people played in great spirits with many commenting just how much they loved the experience and given opportunity.
Ebs from Wycombe Wanderers said:
“We come here for fun and it’s been just brilliant. Street Soccer is like a family. Coming to this programme, meeting new people, having the opportunity to play, it’s just amazing. Before, I was just alone. Now, my life has been transformed.”
Jessie from West Ham United commented:
“I’m so happy to be here. It’s been great, although freezing! The girls-only programme has been brilliant and I can’t wait to see this expand. Street Soccer has been an amazing experience, honestly. It’s built up my confidence, my resilience, allowed me to meet new people, new faces, I’m really grateful.”
After the group stages completed, all attendees were addressed by the Street Soccer Foundation Chair of Trustees, Lord Bailey, who said:
“We are so proud of all of you. Make the change you want to make, led by you for your future. We want you to succeed so let’s all stick together and help each other. We are all here for you. Good luck to those who’ve made it to the semi-finals and let’s spread the word of the impact of the Academy programme so we can help even more young people.”
Alongside the eventual winners and runners up of the tournament, a special mention must be offered for the Street Soccer Academy teams representing Wycombe Wanderers, AFC Wimbledon, and Crystal Palace (B) – with these teams remaining unbeaten on the day – but the National final was played out between Peterborough United and Sheffield Wednesday, with the ultimate winners Peterborough United coming out triumphant.
2024 National Awards on FFG Day:
- Player of the Tournament: Jay (AFC Wimbledon)
- Golden Gloves: Wayne (Everton)
- Golden Boot: Thomas (Peterborough United)
- Fair Play Award: West Ham United Foundation
- National Runners Up: Sheffield Wednesday (Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme)
- National Winners: Peterborough United (The Posh Foundation)
All teams taking part did so courtesy of a main sponsor – with the majority of such having signed up to ‘The Big Goal’ campaign – launched officially by the Street Soccer Foundation back in January 2024. Headline sponsored by Giacom, and supported by media partners Comms Dealer, and campaign partners Sky Business and Sky Sports; in its first year, the campaign has successfully supported a total of 462 young people through the Academy programme, all thanks to the amazing members of The Big Goal. To learn more about The Big Goal and to sign up ahead of 2025, visit: thebiggoal.co.uk.
A massive congratulations to all teams that took part – and in particular to our Runners Up, Sheffield Wednesday, and to our newest National Champions, Peterborough United and the Posh Foundation!
At the heart of this event were all the young people involved. It’s those that give the Academy programme a chance who matter the most. Who are collectively supported by club partners, and sponsors, where as a collective, the aim is to help as many and as much as we can.
Win, lose or draw – the National tournament event served as a reward and playing experience and opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who committed to the process, and to provide all young people a platform to inspire for the future.
You can check back over the way the tournament unfolded by visiting the Tournament microsite here: Tournament Microsite