Millwall Community Trust and Rio Ferdinand Foundation co-hosted a tournament at St Paul’s Sports Ground, Rotherhithe last Wednesday.

The Rio Ferdinand Foundation creates opportunities for young people to tackle inequality, achieve their personal potential and drive social change which is in line with Millwall Community Trust’s ethos as well and this is why we have come together to co-host this tournament.

The all day tournament had over 100 participants in attendance from the local area and neighbouring boroughs.

The teams in attendance were MCT, Southwark Showcase, Infinity FC, Crystal Palace Foundation, Most Wanted Girls’, Millwall Lionesses and Rotherhithe FC.

There were two separate tournaments taking place - a girls’ tournament which had five teams involved and ended in a knockout competition after the group stage positions had been determined.

The boys’ tournament consisted of six teams once again playing a round robin group stage system before the knockout matches began.

MCT entered three teams into the tournament from our Premier League Kicks sessions - two girls teams and one boys teams as well as the Millwall Lionesses Academy were also in attendance.

Our teams were made up of young people that attend our weekly Premier League Kicks sessions across Lewisham and Southwark.

These events give young people an opportunity to play matches against other teams and represent Millwall in a competitive manner whilst being able to improve their teamwork skills.

Millwall’s Premier League Kicks boys side just missed out on the knockout stages after a valiant effort in the group stages,

Our Millwall girl’s sides played very competitive matches against other local girls’ teams with all participants showing excellent teamwork and attitude whilst making the final before narrowly losing 1-0 to Most Wanted Girls’ who were excellent throughout the day.

Joubin Sarrami, Millwall Community Trust Community Manager, said: “What a fantastic day for our young people at our co-hosted tournament with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation at Burgess Park yesterday!

“The tournament gave young people a chance to show their skills and work together as a team.

“It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves whilst showing excellent sportsmanship throughout.”

To find out more about our PL Kicks programme, visit: https://millwall.charityhive.dev/c-premier-league-kicks