Blackpool FC were proudly represented by Saint John Vianney at the Premier League Primary Stars Under-11 National Girls’ Football Tournament regional qualifiers, hosted by Everton FC Community Trust, as they competed for a place in the 2026 national finals.
Ten regional qualifiers are being hosted at club or community facilities across the country, with hundreds of young people representing Premier League, EFL and National League clubs, all competing for a place in the national finals.
On 6th March, the girls travelled to the regional finals where they had the incredible opportunity to play at the home of a Women’s Super League team, Everton, at Goodison Park. It was a fantastic experience for the team, giving them the chance to showcase their talent on such an iconic stage and create memories they will never forget.
Schools representing their partner clubs at the regional finals included Morecambe, Blackburn, Wigan, Wrexham, Everton, Liverpool, Tranmere, Fleetwood and Preston, creating a fantastic and competitive tournament environment for all teams involved.
The day featured four fast-paced and energetic matches against Fleetwood, Tranmere, Morecambe, and Everton, giving the girls an incredible opportunity to play on a Women’s Super League pitch. They competed impressively in a high-tempo environment, where the games were short and intense. Finishing fourth in their group was a fantastic achievement and something to be truly proud of.
Between games, the girls had the chance to enjoy a variety of activities, including padel, darts, and boxing, making it a fun and well-rounded day both on and off the field.
After the group fixtures had concluded, the girls were given the exciting opportunity to enjoy a mini tour of parts of the stadium. They had the chance to see and sit in the dugouts, where the managers and players sit during matches. The experience continued as they walked down the players’ tunnel, visiting the interview areas used by players and staff, and explored the home changing room. The highlight of the tour was the fantastic opportunity to have their photo taken with the Premier League trophy.
Oliver Burgess, Health & Wellbeing Officer at BFCCT said,
“It was a pleasure to accompany the girls from SJV on the day. They represented both the school and Blackpool’s badge with great respect, and the teachers should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved. They competed extremely well in a highly talented environment, where the matches were fast-paced and closely contested, any game could have gone either way. They were very unlucky not to progress to the knockout stages, as the quality of football they played certainly deserved more.
“The girls had a fantastic experience, playing against schools from across the Northwest. Having the opportunity to play at Goodison Park is something they will never forget.”
