University sponsors Trevor Francis Memorial Cup in anniversary partnership with Birmingham City FC.
City-wide secondary schools’ football tournament aims to create meaningful opportunities for young people across Birmingham and Solihull.
The University of Birmingham is inspiring the next generation of football talent through its strategic alliance with Birmingham City Football Club (BCFC).
As part of this partnership – launched during a milestone year as the University and BCFC celebrate their 125th and 150th anniversaries respectively – the University has proudly sponsored the Trevor Francis Memorial Cup.
The city-wide secondary schools’ football tournament aims to create meaningful opportunities for young people across Birmingham and Solihull.
The competition brought together Year 9 boys’ and girls’ teams from across the region, culminating in a final on Wednesday 7 May at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, the iconic home of the Blues and the very pitch where Trevor Francis began his legendary career.
We were delighted to support the Trevor Francis Schools Cup as part of our new and valued partnership with Birmingham City Football Club. The competition exemplifies our joint ambition to raise the sporting and academic aspirations of young people across the city and region - continuing our long and proud history of supporting sporting success.
Professor Deborah Longworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), presented the trophies alongside a representative from the Trevor Francis Memorial Trust. She praised the tournament as a powerful example of the University’s commitment to community engagement and youth development:
"We were delighted to support the Trevor Francis Schools Cup as part of our new and valued partnership with Birmingham City Football Club. The competition exemplifies our joint ambition to raise the sporting and academic aspirations of young people across the city and region - continuing our long and proud history of supporting sporting success.”
The University’s involvement extended beyond sponsorship. From providing branded kits and match balls to supporting character-education workshops inspired by Trevor Francis’ values (dedication, humility, and resilience) the initiative reflects the University’s broader mission to empower young people through sport and education.
The tournament, developed by the Trevor Francis Legacy Committee and the BCFC Foundation, followed a knockout format, with the final four teams earning the chance to play at Birmingham City’s training ground and then at St. Andrew’s. The 2025 champions, Bishop Challoner and Arden Academy, were celebrated in a trophy ceremony led by Professor Longworth.
“The fantastic BCFC Foundation team pulled out all the stops to ensure this was a very special competition,” added Professor Longworth. “We are incredibly proud to have played a leading role in making this happen and look forward to continuing this important work in the years ahead.”
Lee Chapman, Schools Manager for the Foundation, said: “Having spoken to dozens of teachers across the tournament, there is such an appetite for secondary school football that is not being catered for. We have given out nearly 90 brand new kits, 180 footballs and provided every child who entered the chance to play at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. It really has removed barriers for young children to play football.
“The standard has been incredible with two very worthy champions – we are already working with University of Birmingham and the Trevor Francis Legacy Committee to make this even bigger!”
With funding secured for the next three years, thanks to the University’s generous support, the Trevor Francis Memorial Cup is set to become a cornerstone of youth sport in Birmingham, honouring a footballing icon while building a brighter future for the city’s young people.
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Professor of English Literature
Biographical and contact information for Professor Deborah Longworth in the Department of English at the University of Birmingham.
