Wolverhampton hosts National Care Leavers’ Football Tournament at Molineux Stadium
The National Care Leavers’ Championship Cup took place last Saturday at Molineux Stadium, home of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, bringing together care-experienced young people from across the country for a day of football, empowerment, and celebration.
The landmark event was attended by Warinder Juss MP (Wolverhampton West) and the Mayor of Wolverhampton, alongside representatives from key sponsors and partners including EFL in the Community, City of Wolverhampton Council, the Wolves Foundation, and Spectra, a multidisciplinary social impact company based in Wolverhampton.
Speaking after the event, Warinder Juss MP said: “It was an honour to witness the energy, talent, and determination of these incredible young people—many of whom travelled from across the UK, some waking as early as 4am to take part. Events like this show the power of sport to uplift and inspire. I am proud that Wolverhampton West played host to the tournament.”
The event highlighted the importance of recognising and nurturing the potential of care-experienced youth, offering them a platform to thrive and connect through sport.
Tournament organiser Sam, who now works at Wolverhampton City Council and has been recognised as National Personal Advisor of the Year, said: “I want to take this tournament to Wembley next year and for 400 young people take part. I want Sky Sports and BBC to be there - I want these young people to be celebrated and championed.”
Mr. Juss mentioned the event in Parliament, which received support from Leader of the House, Lucy Powell MP, who praised the initiative and its organisers: “We are proud as a Government to have brought forward the Football Governance Bill...it will ensure that football is on a sustainable footing"
The National Championship Cup marks a significant step in celebrating and empowering care leavers, with the hope that it will become an annual fixture in the national calendar.
