Millwall Community Trust and Rio Ferdinand Foundation co-hosted a tournament at St Paul’s Sports Ground, Rotherhithe yesterday.
Millwall Community Trust creates opportunities for young people to tackle inequality, achieve their personal potential and drive social change which is in line with Rio Ferdinand Foundation’s ethos as well and this is why we have come together to co-host this tournament.
The all day tournament had over 150 participants in attendance from the local area and neighbouring boroughs.
There were two separate tournaments taking place - a girls’ tournament which had nine teams involved - making it the largest girls tournament in the area. It 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 two teams into the tournament from our Premier League Kicks sessions - one 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 final after a superb run ended in heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in the semi-finals.
Our Millwall girl’s sides played very competitive matches against other local girls’ teams with all participants showing excellent teamwork and attitude despite exiting the tournament in the group stages.
Arsenal’s Premier League Kicks sides were in attendance and it was great seeing the London PL Kicks project working in tandem with Arsenal entering two girls and a boys squad.
Most wanted FC retained their title from the summer in the girls tournament and congratulations to Desire FC winning the boys competition and showing great skills and sportsmanship.
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
