REEBOK STADIUM TO HOST BEST OF BRITISH YOUTH FOOTBALL FINALE
At the UK Final of this year's Tesco Cup, talented young footballers from across the country will have the chance to showcase their football skills on hallowed Premiership turf. The final will be held at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton on Sunday May 16.
The Tesco Cup, now in its fifth year, is part of a wider commitment from Tesco to encourage healthy living. The competition, runs in conjunction with the FA and local communities, involves three age groups, U13 boys, U14 girls and U16 girls.
The modern, 28,000 capacity Reebok stadium, home to Premiership team Bolton Wanderers, will host the UK Final for the third year. 12 teams from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime and perform on the same stage as their footballing heroes, when they represent their country in the season finale.
Over 3,600 teams, across 41 counties, have entered the 2010 Tesco Cup, all aiming to progress through the County, Regional and National stages of the competition and ultimately represent their country in the UK Final in May.
In 2010, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be looking to improve on last year's results, following an English clean sweep at the 2009 final. Manchester United won the U16 girls' competition, Manchester City took the U14 girls' title and Stokesley FC boys were victorious in the U13's tournament.
Josh Hardie, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Tesco said ‘Following last year's success, we are delighted to return to the Reebok Stadium for the final. The County Cup stages of the tournament are already underway, and with a record number of counties entering the Tesco Cup in 2010, this year is set to be an exciting competition. The UK final will be a thrilling end to the season, particularly as the excitement builds in the lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is every young footballer's dream to play in the Premiership when they grow up and this tournament represents a step in the right direction.'
National finals will take place in late April and early May. Northern Irish teams will fight for their place in the UK final on April 17, with Welsh Teams competing on April 18 at Cardiff University. The Scottish final will be held at Excelsior Stadium on April 24, and the English final will take place at an exciting new venue, Pride Park, home to Nigel Clough's Derby County, on Sunday May 9.
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