A group of young female footballers from Blackbird Leys will represent Oxford United at a national competition next week after meeting at a free-to-attend programme.
Premier League Kicks was established in Oxfordshire in 2020 and has since been delivered by Oxford United in the Community – the football club’s official charity – to inspire young people to reach their true potential.
The programme is operated across Oxfordshire each week during term time, with sessions combining workshops, volunteering, social action campaigns and training.
After qualifying from a regional event, the programme’s Oxford group has qualified for the Premier League Kicks Cup final that will be held at St George’s Park in Staffordshire on Wednesday, 24 July 2024.
The team overcame Crawley, Brighton, Reading, Southampton and Southend to reach the final.
Mark Thomas, social inclusion lead at Oxford United in the Community, said providing participants with the chance to represent the U’s badge at a national competition will be a dream come true for many.
“It’s a huge achievement for our Oxford Premier League Kicks participants to reach this week’s national final,” said Mark. “Playing at St George’s Park is not something everyone gets to experience, and understandably, there is a lot of excitement among players.
“Seeing the team develop relationships on and off the pitch has been really rewarding and epitomises the power of programmes like Premier League Kicks and how they can inspire people to be the best version of themselves.
“There’ll be a lot of competition on the day, but fingers crossed we can bring the trophy home!”
Premier League Kicks was launched in 2006 and, funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund, has engaged half a million young players with former participants including Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice.
Today, 90 clubs across the English football pyramid provide free weekly sessions.
Mark added: “A sad reality of football today is not every young person has the opportunity to access training and playing provisions due to cost, equipment and geographical barriers.
“Premier League Kicks unites people and fosters positive relationships, supporting happier, healthier, and better-connected communities.”
Oxford United in the Community’s Premier League Kicks delivery resumes across Oxfordshire at the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year. Full details of each programme, timings and how to sign up will be available via the charity’s website and social media channels soon.
Built in 2012 for £105 million and set within 330 acres of Staffordshire countryside, St. George’s Park is the proud home to all 23 of England’s national football teams.
Serving as a base for all coaching and development work undertaken by the FA, the site boasts no less than 14 elite outdoor pitches, including an exact replica of the Wembley surface, a full-sized Indoor 3G and a futsal arena.
