On Monday 10th November 2025, Blackpool FC Community Trust hosted our annual EFL Utilita Under 11’s Kids Cup tournament. The event took place at Stanley Park on the 4G facilities and was attended by approximately 160 pupils in 18 teams from primary schools across the Fylde Coast.
The EFL Utilita Kids Cup is an open invitation event for all primary schools in the Blackpool area to participate in a 7-a-side football tournament against one another. The winners go on to represent their school and Blackpool FC in the regional finals, with a chance to win the opportunity to play at Wembley Stadium in London during the League One play-off final!
The day consisted of four groups, and the standard of play was fantastic. Every team displayed teamwork, determination, and incredible sportsmanship. After a thrilling morning of group-stage action, the top two teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinals, where the tension began to build. Thank you to all teams involved for contributing to another great competition.
After four tense quarterfinals, we progressed to the semi-finals, where we saw Norbreck Academy play Armfield Academy in a well-contested match with Norbreck progressing through again to the final to play Westcliff Academy, who, in their semi-final, defeated St Nicholas Primary in another great game.
The final was a close encounter, with some great moments of attacking and defending from both teams, showing why both deserved to be in the final, and plenty of quality on show. Norbreck controlled good spells of possession, but it was Westcliff who broke the deadlock with a great long-range effort! This was the only goal of the game, and Westcliff went on to win 1-0.
A huge well done to Westcliff Academy and runners-up Norbreck Primary Academy for their fantastic performances throughout the day. Westcliff will now proudly go on to represent their school and Blackpool FC at next year’s regional finals, and maybe even step onto the famous Wembley turf!
