Young players who have been through the care system in Peterborough will make their debut in a national football tournament this week.
A team of care-experienced young people aged 16–25, supported through the House Project and coached by a dedicated team from Peterborough City Council, will compete in the Pro Alliance National Championship Cup on Friday (29 May).
They will be competing against 26 other local authority teams at the event at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, which is the UK’s only national football competition exclusively for care-experienced young people.
The team has played against local teams in five different venues before arriving at Stadium MK In preparation for the tournament, giving the players real opportunities to experience a range of locations, pitches, and levels of competition both in and around Peterborough.
The preparation included friendly matches against Ramsey Colts and local side Friday Night Football, and a training session at Posh’s London Road stadium with a club coach.
The team were also presented with a full Peterborough United kit, which they will wear at Stadium MK - an incredible honour and proud moment for everyone involved.
This project has been supported by Peterborough City Council, City College Peterborough, National House Project, the Peterborough United Foundation and Garfield Builders, while Ramsey Colts have donated equipment, pitches and opposition.
One of the coaching team at Peterborough City Council is Toby Baffa-Isaacs, who regards the players as ‘champions before they step onto the pitch’ due to their resilience, their value, and their potential beyond the game itself.
He said: “This initiative is about creating opportunity, belonging, and pride.“After connecting with Pro Alliance founder Sam (Neath), it became clear that this competition offers a unique platform for young people to be recognised and celebrated and often for the first time.
“I have always believed that sport plays a powerful role in society. It supports mental health, builds confidence, and provides structure.
“This is why I am passionate about creating a football team for young people who deserve this unique opportunity. The team has been built not just to compete, but to grow together, both on and off the pitch.”
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Cllr Katy Cole said: “These players have overcome challenges in life to thrive, and now they will hopefully show their skills as individuals and in a team in Milton Keynes; both the players and the coaches should be immensely proud.
“Good luck to them in the tournament!”