The Leeds United Foundation played host to 49 schools from across Leeds recently as part of the annual EFL Trust U11 Kids Cup.

With over 450 pupils taking part in the junior football tournament that occurred across five days – teams from the East, North East, West, North West and South and Central areas of the city were all represented.

Out of all of the schools involved in the first stage of the tournament 10 of those qualified to take part in the next round of the competition on the road to Wembley.

The City Finals will take place at Thorp Arch in January with the 10 qualifying schools competing to represent Leeds United Football Club at the North Regional Finals that will take place in Rotherham in March. The winning team from that tournament will then go on to represent the North of England at Wembley in May.

Joe Scargill, Project Officer for the Leeds United Foundation has spoken about the tournament and said: “It is really pleasing to see all the children taking part in our annual EFL Trust U11 Kids Cup - having nearly 500 children come through the door is testament to the hard work and the great partnerships we have with the primary schools across the city.

“We have to offer out our thanks to every school and member of staff that has committed their time to ensure that we can provide this opportunity to the children. Well done to all the schools who reached the final, we look forward to seeing them in January at Thorp Arch.”

The City Finals

Congratulations to the following schools who will all be taking part in the upcoming tournament at Thorp Arch.

Woodlesford, Beeston St Lukes, Primrose Lane, Ninelands, St Augustines, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Greenhill, Valley View, Horsforth Newlaithes and Tranmere Park.