University of Birmingham hosts quarter-finals of Birmingham City FC youth tournament
City-wide secondary schools’ football tournament brings boys’ and girls’ teams to campus in the Trevor Francis Memorial Cup.
The University of Birmingham hosted the quarter finals of Birmingham City Football Club’s (BCFC) youth football tournament - the Trevor Francis Memorial Cup.
The city-wide secondary schools’ football tournament for Year 9 pupils in Birmingham and Solihull brought eight boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams to sports pitches on the University’s Edgbaston campus, ‘watched’ by the iconic clock tower Old Joe.
Teams from Plantsbrook, Sutton Girls, Heart of England, and Bartley Green went through to the semi-finals which will be held on 14 and 15 May at Knighthead Performance Centre – the women’s and academy training ground where Jude Bellingham and Karen Carney played.
They will be joined by boys’ teams from Tudor Grange Academy Solihull, St Peter’s, and Park Hall with one postponed match still to be played. The finals will be held at St Andrews @ Knighthead Park on 31 May - the very pitch where Trevor Francis began his legendary career.
It’s wonderful to welcome these young footballers to campus as part of our partnership with the Club. This competition reflects our shared goal to raise the sporting and academic aspirations of young people across the city and region - continuing the University’ long and proud history of supporting sporting success.
Sponsored by the University of Birmingham, the competition launched last year as part of a strategic partnership established to mark the 125th and 150th anniversaries respectively of the University and BCFC.
Professor Deborah Longworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) said: “The University of Birmingham is committed to inspiring the next generation of football talent through our strategic alliance with Birmingham City FC.
“It’s wonderful to welcome these young footballers to campus as part of our partnership with the Club. This competition reflects our shared goal to raise the sporting and academic aspirations of young people across the city and region - continuing the University’ long and proud history of supporting sporting success.”
The University’s involvement with the competition extends 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 quarter-finals of the Trevor Francis Cup underway on campus.
Teams taking part in this year’s quarter-finals also had the opportunity to learn more about broadening their horizons through Higher Education.
The tournament, developed by the Trevor Francis Legacy Committee and the BCFC Foundation, follows a knockout format. Last year’s inaugural champions, Bishop Challoner and Arden Academy, were celebrated in a trophy ceremony at St Andrews led by Professor Longworth.
“The fantastic BCFC Foundation team pulled out all the stops to ensure the inaugural tournament was very special,” added Professor Longworth. “We are proud to continue the University’s support for this important work.”
Youth sport in Birmingham
With funding secured until 2029, 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.
Anthony Isherwood, BCFC Foundation Director, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see the Trevor Francis Cup quarter finals hosted at the University of Birmingham. Football teaches core skills; leadership, communication, teamwork - that stay with students for life.
“By bringing them into a university environment, we’re helping them see that their future can stretch beyond the classroom and the pitch, giving them the confidence to aim higher and broaden their horizons.”