Young footballers from Burnley are set to take part in the Under-16 mixed and Under-16 girls’ Premier League Kicks Cup regional tournaments, aiming to secure a spot at the 2026 finals.
Across England, nine regional qualifiers will be held at community venues, with hundreds of young players from Premier League, EFL and National League clubs competing for the chance to represent their team at the Premier League Kicks Cup finals at St George’s Park in July.
The Premier League Kicks Cup forms part of Premier League Kicks, the league’s longest-running community programme, which marked its 20th anniversary in March as part of the “More Than a Game” campaign.
The initiative delivers free weekly football and personal development sessions at 93 clubs, including Burnley, in communities across England and Wales. Since its launch, the programme has reached over 600,000 young people at more than 5,000 locations, supporting those in under-served areas.
The U16 mixed and U16 girls’ teams will travel to the North regional tournament hosted by Everton, where they’ll compete for a place in the national finals at St George’s Park this Julyplaceholder image
The U16 mixed and U16 girls’ teams will travel to the North regional tournament hosted by Everton, where they’ll compete for a place in the national finals at St George’s Park this July
A spokesperson for Burnley FC in the Community said: “We’re proud to take both our mixed and girls’ teams to the North regional qualifiers. Experiences on this scale are what make Premier League Kicks so impactful, helping young people grow, gain confidence, and feel part of something bigger. We can’t wait to see them represent Burnley with pride.”
[placeholder image
Read More
Young singers set to entertain at St Peter's](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/whats-on/young-singers-set-to-entertain-at-st-peters-6569032 "Young singers set to entertain at St Peter's")
Alex White, Chief Executive of the Premier League Foundation, said: “Premier League Kicks regional tournaments give thousands of young people the chance to come together, enjoy competitive football, and represent their clubs. While football skills are a big draw, the off-pitch workshops help young people develop life skills, explore their potential, and build brighter futures beyond the game."
Burnley FC in the Community will enter both Under-16 mixed and Under-16 girls’ teams at the North regional qualifier, hosted by Everton. Everton and Crewe Alexandra are the reigning Premier League Kicks Cup champions, having won the 2025 mixed and girls’ tournaments respectively.
The U16 mixed and U16 girls’ Burnley teams will travel to the North regional tournament hosted by Everton, where they’ll compete for a place in the national finals at St George’s Park this Julyplaceholder image
The U16 mixed and U16 girls’ Burnley teams will travel to the North regional tournament hosted by Everton, where they’ll compete for a place in the national finals at St George’s Park this July
Alongside the games, participants will take part in workshops focusing on mental health, wellbeing, inclusion, and community safety.
Independent research into Premier League Kicks shows that 93% of alumni feel the programme helped them avoid negative influences, while 91% reported learning more about crime prevention and anti-social behaviour. To date, the Premier League has invested over £96 million into Kicks via the Premier League Foundation, with a further £30 million pledged over the next three years.
Continue Reading