Molineux Stadium was buzzing with energy on Wednesday 11 June as it hosted the national finals of the Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament, bringing together primary school children from across the country in an unforgettable day of sport and celebration.
Pupils from 40 primary schools, each representing one of the 20 Premier League clubs, competed on the Premier League pitch in front of passionate supporters and refereed by Professional Game Match Officials Limited referees. The finalists earned their place after winning regional qualifiers – a testament to their teamwork, determination, and talent.
This inspiring tournament is a highlight of Premier League Primary Stars, the League’s flagship free education programme. Using the power of football to engage, inspire and educate, the programme reached 1.3 million children in 2023/24 alone. Primary Stars offers hundreds of free, curriculum-linked resources across PE, PSHE, English, and Maths – helping teachers bring learning to life in classrooms across England and Wales.
The day saw some fantastic competition and remarkable sportsmanship:
- Winners:
Mixed – Tottenham Hotspurs
Girls – Newcastle - Runners-up:
Mixed – Everton
Girls – Manchester United - Fair Play Winners:
Mixed – Nottingham Forest
Girls – Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspurs – U11 Mixed Winner – Cooper (top goal scorer of the mixed tournament)
“It’s such a good feeling when you lift a trophy. It’s for everyone who helped us here. We worked as a team, there’s no individual that really did it for us. It was just incredible.
“It gives me lots of confidence in my future in football and it helps everyone else out as well. A lot of the kids here, they are really good at football but sometimes they don’t get the chance to play, but they all deserve that chance.”
Newcastle United – U11 Girls Winner – Holly
“When I saved the winning penalty and my friends came running over to me, it felt like a dream.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. When we walked through the tunnel [at Molineux Stadium] this morning for the opening ceremony, we were all feeling proud of ourselves.
“This tournament lifts girls’ football.”
Parent and Manchester United goalkeeper, Tom Heaton
“Turning up here today as a parent to Molineux Stadium, seeing these children have a Premier League football experience, representing their local Premier League club and primary school, has been phenomenal. It’s a day they will never forget.
“It’s opening the door to what’s possible, giving the kids confidence and belief in what they’re doing, as well as generating a real positive energy that can lead them on to whatever they want to do.”
Premier League Director of Community Nick Perchard said:
“We’re pleased to once again have been able to provide young people from across the country with the inspirational opportunity to represent their local club and create lifelong memories of playing on a Premier League pitch, through our free education programme, Premier League Primary Stars. Thank you to Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Wolves Foundation for hosting everyone and for giving these primary school pupils such a special and empowering experience.”
This year’s event was not just about competition – it was a celebration of inclusion, effort, and personal growth. Teams were recognised for their Fair Play points, awarded for demonstrating Premier League values such as teamwork, respect, and resilience. The success of the Under-11 Girls’ and Under-11 Mixed competitions also reflected the League’s growing commitment to pathways in girls’ and women’s football, supported by a £21 million investment into the women’s game between 2022 and 2025.
A perfect springboard for National School Sports Week
With National School Sports Week (16–22 June) just around the corner, the excitement from the tournament serves as the perfect inspiration for schools looking to celebrate sport and movement in an inclusive, engaging way.
To support teachers, Premier League Primary Stars offers free PE resources suitable for both KS1 and KS2, helping schools deliver sports day-style activities or short active bursts throughout the week:
- Active Summer Challenge – physical challenges that get pupils moving, building confidence and coordination
- Using Premier League Values in PE – support for teaching character through sport, focusing on ambition, resilience, and teamwork
- KS1 Mascot Skill Films – fun, easy-to-follow videos that help younger pupils develop key movement skills
All resources are free to download at plprimarystars.com and are designed to make PE lessons more inclusive, impactful, and enjoyable for every pupil.
Whether you’re planning a full sports day or weaving movement into everyday lessons, Premier League Primary Stars has everything teachers need to make National School Sports Week a success.
