Albion victorious as Foundation hosts regional girls tournament
The BHAFC Foundation invited nine schools from across south east England to come to Lancing for a girls’ football tournament.
As part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme, schools from across the country had the chance to represent their local football clubs in the Under-11 National Girls Football Tournament, with the goal of earning a spot at the national finals later this year.
We were chosen to host the regional final for the south east, with schools representing nine clubs joining us for a fun and competitive day of football at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.
Southover School from Lewes – representing the Albion – finished as victors after a penalty shootout win over Southampton. Other clubs represented at the tournament included Reading, Wycombe Wanderers, Crawley Town, Portsmouth, Maidenhead, Bournemouth, and Dartford.
Both schools will now go on to represent the south east at the national final.
Girls at the tournament were treated to a visit from Albion first-team star Madison Haley, who came to watch the games and answer questions from the young players.
To inspire the girls even further, the Premier League trophy was on display for all to see.
Last year, more than 14,500 girls took part in the regional finals. Goldstone Primary School, who represented the Albion last year, are the current champions after winning the tournament in 2023 at Elland Road.
The National Girls Football Tournament is one of the competition elements of the Premier League Primary Stars programme. Launched in 2017 and available to every primary school in England and Wales, Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of football to help children to be active and develop essential life skills.
Premier League Charitable Fund Chief Executive, Ruth Shaw OBE, said: “The Premier League Primary Stars Under-11 National Girls Football Tournament creates an amazing opportunity for girls from across England and Wales to come together and represent their professional football clubs, as part of the Premier League’s commitment to supporting the game.
“Last season, more than 14,500 girls took part in Premier League Primary Stars. These regional tournaments help to inspire even more girls across the country to enjoy the many benefits of football and bring young people from diverse backgrounds together.”
Currently, 104 professional football clubs from across the leagues run in-classroom Premier League Primary Stars sessions in local partner schools. More than 68,000 teachers have signed up to access free online national curriculum-linked resources, to date.
Find out more about our work in schools.
