Stoke-on-Trent youth to represent England at CRT Home Internationals Football Tournament

Young footballers from Stoke-on-Trent are set to represent CRT Game On England on one of the country’s biggest football stages.

The talented youngsters will take part in this year’s prestigious CRT Home Internationals Tournament at the iconic City Football Academy, home of Manchester City.

The aspiring footballers were selected following a qualifying tournament at qualifiers Powerleague Stoke Excel on 19th June and will now represent CRT Game On England competing against teams from Scotland and Wales.

The tournament - delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) thanks to £8,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding allocated through Stoke-on-Trent City Council – offers a unique opportunity for young players to showcase their skills on a national stage.

The Coalfield Regeneration Trust is a national charity that supports communities in coalfield areas through grassroots initiatives and youth development.

Before taking to the pitch at the Etihad Campus on Sunday, 10 August, the young players will spend a residential weekend at Keele University starting on Saturday, 9 August – offering team building programmes designed to broaden horizons and inspire future educational pursuits. The initiative also includes a pre-tournament event on Saturday evening.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “I’m incredibly proud to see so many talented young footballers from our city chosen to represent England on the national stage. We’ve got some exceptional footballing talent, and this tournament gives them the chance to compete at one of the premier league’s most iconic stadiums.

“Thanks to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and UKSPF funding we’re helping to unlock the sporting potential of young people across Stoke-on-Trent. We wish all the players the very best as they prepare for the residential weekend at Keele University and their matches at the Etihad Campus – they’ll be doing the city proud.”

Alex Hobson, CRT Game On Development Manager, said “CRT Home Internationals is an annual football tournament with three main goals: bringing people together from coalfield communities across England, Scotland and Wales, raising aspirations, and providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people.

“Delivered since the early 2000s, 2025 marks the first time young people from Stoke-on-Trent will represent CRT Game On England, thanks to UKSPF funding through Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Since 2022, CRT has been directly delivering in the city, and this tournament is the latest example of our place-based approach in action - creating real pathways for people to reach their full potential.”

For more information on the tournament residents can go to: https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/crt-game-on

To keep up to date with this year’s coverage follow @coalfieldsregen on social media.