Tesco Cup underway

The 2009-10 Tesco Cup is now officially underway, with a record number of participants taking part in the competition across the UK.

This season has seen the number of English Counties at U13 level grow from 39 last year to 41 and at U14 and U16 Girls level from 38 to 40. This increase means more youths participating in the beautiful game and getting active than ever before and this year’s tournament looks set to be one of the most exciting yet. 

The Tesco Cup is a home nations grassroots football competition across three age groups: U13 boys, U14 girls and U16 girls. Working in conjunction with The FA and local communities, it is part of a wider commitment from Tesco to encourage youngsters to get involved in sport. Now in its fifth year, the number of entrants has increased each season.

Teams will compete at County, Regional and then National level, in a bid to represent England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the UK Final in May

Sir Trevor Brooking, Director of Football Development at The FA, commented: “Football needs brands like Tesco to invest in the development of the sport and the Tesco Cup provides an excellent platform for young players to enjoy competitive football at an international level. The chance to play at a Premiership ground is a wonderful opportunity for the youngsters and I hope they all enjoy the competition.”

Last year's event was played at the Reebok Stadium, home of Premiership side Bolton Wanderers. In the U13 boys, Stokesley FC U13 representing England, were crowned UK champions after a 4-0 win against Landore Colts from Wales. Manchester City FC won the U14s girls competition after winning 4 -2 on penalties against Celtic Ladies FC from Scotland whilst Manchester United FC U16 girls took the honours after winning 1-0 against the reigning champions Hibernian FC from Scotland.