Molineux Stadium once again became the stage for young footballing brilliance on Thursday 12 June, as it hosted the finals of the Premier League Primary Stars National Girls’ Football Tournament. The event brought together primary school pupils from across the country, proudly representing clubs from the Premier League, English Football League, and National League in a day filled with teamwork, inspiration, and unforgettable moments.
The girls competed in a round-robin tournament on the Premier League pitch, kitted out in their clubs’ colours and officiated by Professional Game Match Officials Limited referees – giving these young athletes a taste of playing football like professionals.
The day saw some fantastic competition and remarkable sportsmanship:
Fair Play Winners – Mk Dons
Runners-up – Luton Town
Winners – Altrincham FC
This tournament is a flagship event within Premier League Primary Stars, the Premier League’s free education programme that uses the power of football to support children’s learning, wellbeing, and physical activity across the curriculum. In 2023/24, the programme reached 1.3 million children and offers hundreds of free, curriculum-linked teaching resources to help pupils stay active, develop essential life skills, and thrive in the classroom.
Sophie – Altrincham (Premier League Primary Stars National Girls’ Football Tournament Winners)
“To win the trophy is just incredible. It’s hard to describe. We’ve tried so hard, and it just feels so good.
“To come to this and to win it all together – it’s the best day.
“Being here will give me a lot more confidence to go forward and keep playing. It’s really good to have a girl’s tournament because especially in our school, this will inspire a lot of people. I think they all look up to us. We’re setting the example.”
Honey – Exeter City
“My grandpa was a huge Wolves fan. Being here, scoring that goal – it’s like I’m honouring him. If he was here, he’d be off his feet dancing.
“Walking out of the tunnel, I was excited and shocked at the feeling I had. It’s the best opportunity ever.
“Playing on this pitch, seeing the Premier League Trophy, going into the changing rooms – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Anna Deignan, Premier League Director of Fan Engagement, said:
“We’re thrilled to see such incredible talent and passion on display at the Premier League Primary Stars finals. These tournaments truly celebrate the spirit of community football and the importance of the League’s support for girls’ football.
Congratulations to all the teams – especially our winners – whose dedication and energy embody the very best of the game.”
This year’s tournament featured 20 primary schools, each having won regional qualifying rounds to earn their place in the finals. The day culminated in photo opportunities with the Premier League trophy and medal presentations not only to winners and runners-up but also to teams recognised for Fair Play, reflecting the programme’s core values of respect, teamwork, and resilience.
Supporting the next generation of girls in football
The strong participation in this national tournament underscores the Premier League’s commitment through a £21 million investment in women’s and girls’ football between 2022 and 2025. This includes over £10.5 million dedicated to grassroots development and a £6 million investment in the Girls’ Emerging Talent Centres network – helping to grow the number of girls in the talent pathway from 1,700 to more than 6,000 in less than three years.
Get involved this National School Sports Week
With National School Sports Week (16–22 June) approaching, Premier League Primary Stars offers teachers the perfect free resources to help pupils get moving, build confidence, and embrace sport in fun, inclusive, and meaningful ways. Whether planning a full sports day or incorporating quick active sessions, the resources make PE engaging for every child.
Highlighted free resources include:
- Active Summer Challenge – short, fun activities perfect for sports days or energisers throughout the week
- Using Premier League Values in PE – explore ambition, resilience, teamwork, and respect through sport
- KS1 Mascot Skill Films – engaging videos helping younger pupils develop key physical skills
All resources are free, curriculum-linked, and ready to download at: plprimarystars.com.
Encourage your pupils to be inspired by the stars who shone at Molineux and get involved this National School Sports Week – with football as the spark that brings movement, learning, and fun to classrooms across the country.
