Southend United Community Foundation’s Under-16 Premier League Kicks participants have been crowned national champions after an unforgettable unbeaten run at the 2026 Premier League Kicks Cup National Finals at St George’s Park.
Representing Southend United on the national stage, the young players produced an outstanding series of performances before defeating Liverpool FC 3-0 in the final to lift the Premier League Kicks Cup.
The National Finals brought together young people representing club community organisations from across the Premier League, EFL and National League, with more than 380 participants earning the opportunity to compete at St George’s Park – the home of England’s national teams.
For Southend United Community Foundation’s participants, simply earning the opportunity to represent the Club and their community at such an iconic venue was a fantastic achievement. What followed made the experience even more special.
AN UNBEATEN ROAD TO THE TROPHY
Southend progressed through the entire competition without losing a single match, overcoming opposition from across the country.
During the group stages, the team recorded results against Leicester City, Charlton Athletic, Bristol Rovers, Middlesbrough and Stoke City to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Their impressive form continued with a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Watford, setting up a semi-final against Manchester United.
A closely fought contest against United eventually went to penalties, with Southend holding their nerve to win the shootout and book their place in the national final.
Liverpool FC awaited.
In a fitting conclusion to an incredible tournament, Southend produced arguably their best performance of the competition when it mattered most, securing an emphatic 3-0 victory over Liverpool to become 2026 Premier League Kicks Cup National Champions.
Going through a national competition featuring some of the biggest names in English football without defeat was an exceptional achievement from the entire group and a moment that the players and coaches will remember for years to come.
MORE THAN JUST A TROPHY
While lifting the trophy was an incredible moment, the experience represented exactly what Premier League Kicks is about – creating opportunities, experiences and memories for young people through football.
The opportunity to pull on the Southend United shirt and play at St George’s Park, the training base for England’s national teams, was an experience in itself.
For the participants to then return to Southend as national champions made the occasion even more special.
Southend United defender Benjamin, who scored in the final, described what the achievement and the programme meant to him:
“It’s a brilliant feeling, it means a lot to win this. When we go back and say that we’re able to be the best team, the best community foundation, I’m so proud.”
Having been involved in Premier League Kicks for a number of years, Benjamin also highlighted the role the programme has played away from competitive football:
“Premier League Kicks has given me a way to go out and have some fun with my mates. I have such a good time and it has given me great opportunities.”
Reflecting on the experience of becoming a national champion at St George’s Park, he added:
“Not many people can say that they have played at St George’s Park, let alone win a trophy here! This is going to be a great memory.”
THE IMPACT OF PREMIER LEAGUE KICKS
Delivered locally by Southend United Community Foundation, Premier League Kicks uses the power of football to provide young people with free, positive opportunities within their communities.
The programme goes far beyond football, providing safe and welcoming environments where participants can make friends, develop confidence, build positive relationships and access further opportunities.
Premier League Kicks began in the 2006/07 season and is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Since its launch, more than 600,000 young people have participated in football and multi-sport sessions delivered by professional club community organisations across England and Wales.
For Southend United Community Foundation, the national success is also a celebration of the young people who engage with the programme week after week.
“The boys represented themselves, the Club and the Community Foundation extremely well throughout the whole tournament. Of course, to go through the competition undefeated and come away as national champions is an unbelievable achievement, but we were equally proud of the way they conducted themselves on and off the pitch.
“This is exactly what Premier League Kicks is all about – giving young people opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise have and seeing them lift the trophy at the end of the day was a very proud moment for everyone connected with the programme.”
Dan – Operations Manager
“From the first game to the final, they showed a fantastic attitude, worked for each other and really embraced the opportunity to represent Southend United Community Foundation.
To come up against some brilliant teams, go through the whole competition undefeated and then beat Liverpool 3-0 in the final shows just how well the group played on the day. The semi-final against Manchester United was a particularly big moment, and the character the boys showed to come through the penalty shootout was fantastic.
Playing at St George’s Park was an incredible experience for all of us, but to leave as national champions made it even more special. Every single player contributed to the achievement, and they should all be extremely proud of themselves.”
Alex- Coach
“Absolute quality, what a memory for the boys!! Thanks for organising.”
Participant parent
