A group of young female footballers from Blackbird Leys will represent Oxford United at a national competition this 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 every week during term time, with sessions combining workshops with 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, which will be held at St George’s Park in Staffordshire on Wednesday, July 24.
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!”
Funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund, Premier League Kicks was launched in 2006 and has since 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 made available via the charity’s website and social media channels soon.