On Friday 20 June 2025 the National Street Soccer Academy Cup took place at the Derby Racecourse Playing Fields, courtesy of our valued partnership with Derby County Community Trust and with the support of Leisure United.
15 Competing Academies
The National event welcomed a total of 15 competing Academy groups brought together from all over the country, and represented for the first time since the charity was formed, a dual competition for both males and females taking part.
Over 150 young people played in representation of their club community organisation, which had supported their groups of young people during the past few months through the nationally acclaimed Street Soccer Academy programme.
Teams involved represented AFC Wimbledon, Brentford, Burton Albion, Derby County, Everton, Liverpool, Foundation of Light (Sunderland), Huddersfield Town, Leicester City, Palace for Life (Crystal Palace), Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham United.
Throughout the day several young people were happy to speak with the Street Soccer Foundation team about their experiences through the Academy programme and how it had helped them.
Tom, who was representing Everton in the Community, said:
“Playing football has been brilliant and I have benefitted from this because my mental health wasn’t good but the confidence I gained at the Street Soccer Academy gave me the courage to apply for a job at a Liverpool youth centre which I got. I will encourage other people to join the Academy because it’s good to engage with people that might be going through similar experiences.”
Kai from Sunderland, representing the Foundation of Light, said:
“I was homeless and didn’t have much of a family life but I’ve got that back now. I no longer worry about drugs and using. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me to be honest. The Street Soccer Academy is good for your mental health and helps you connect with new people and gives you a purpose in life.”
And with this being the first occasion for the Street Soccer Foundation to host a dedicated Women’s National Academy tournament, more females than ever before were taking part and happy to share their experience too.
Reanne, who was representing the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme, commented:
“Being on the Street Soccer Academy course has benefited me in lots of ways. It’s helped me with my self-esteem and confidence levels and helped me look for more jobs which is part of the course, and I now feel much more employable. To Daisy (the sponsoring company of the Academy team through ‘The Big Goal’) I would say a huge thank you. It means the world. And not just to me, but to my team mates as well.”
During the event, the Foundation also welcomed the support of volunteers brought to the day through our nationwide campaign, The Big Goal (TheBigGoal.co.uk).
The Big Goal Sponsored Academies
Danielle Cain, Senior Marketing Specialist, at sponsoring member, Elite Group, added:
“Volunteering at the National Academy Cup this year was such a rewarding experience for me. Seeing the confidence, teamwork, and pure joy from the young people taking part really brought home just how powerful the Street Soccer Academy programme is. For many of them, this event might be the highlight of their year, and the way the Foundation and the volunteers make each player feel valued and part of something special is amazing. At Elite, we absolutely love being part of The Big Goal – from sponsoring an academy to getting stuck into the corporate 5-a-side tournaments ourselves. It’s brilliant for building confidence, culture, and connection – not just for the young people, but for our team too. We’re proud to support such a meaningful and inspiring cause.”
And another sponsoring organisation, and Founding Member of The Big Goal, Focus Group, were also represented, with Glen Cleary, a Business Development Manager, joining the Street Soccer Foundation team for the day. Glen said:
“The Big Goal isn’t just a campaign! It’s a game changer, literally. Seeing the energy and confidence it sparks in the people involved through the Street Soccer Academy is nothing short of amazing. Last Friday was proof that football really can change lives, and I was buzzing to be part of something special that brings so much fun, drive, and positivity to communities across the country.”
Terry O’Brien, CEO of Headline Sponsor of The Big Goal, Giacom, added:
“This is what The Big Goal is all about, helping people in difficult situations change their lives by attending Street Soccer Academies at their local professional football club. The benefits youngsters gain through teamwork and social interaction at the Academies is astonishing and many would never have the confidence of talking to people, let alone compete in a national football tournament.”
West Ham Champions
The West Ham United Street Soccer Academy, sponsored by Utilize, ultimately triumphed in the tournament, beating Elite Group backed Everton Street Soccer Academy on penalties in a pulsating men’s final.
Sheffield Wednesday – Female Champions
And the Daisy sponsored Sheffield Wednesday Street Soccer Female Academy secured the women’s winner’s trophy, beating the West Ham United Street Soccer Female Academy 5-3 in another brilliant and close final.
Our huge congratulations to all the teams involved. And to take a look through the images captured from the day, please click HERE