Eighteen young people in care and care leavers from Somerset have returned from the national Pro Alliance Champions Cup with pride after the county’s first ever entry in the tournament reached the quarter‑finals and produced two England representative selections.
Strong debut on the national stage
Somerset’s two six‑a‑side teams travelled to Stadium MK, Milton Keynes, for the event that brings together care‑experienced players from across England. Both sides progressed unbeaten through the group stages and advanced as far as the quarter‑finals in what was the council’s inaugural participation.
The opportunity was organised by Somerset Council’s fostering service in partnership with Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), which supported preparation by running two training sessions for the teams.
Individual leadership and team cohesion
Among those selected to represent Somerset was 17‑year‑old Lewis, who arrived at the tournament not knowing most of his teammates. Many participants were unaccompanied asylum‑seeking children and language barriers were a factor, but players found practical ways to work together on the pitch.
"We are incredibly proud of all 18 young people who represented Somerset at the tournament," said Cllr Heather Shearer, Somerset Council’s lead member for children, families and education.
Lewis reflected on the scale of the event: arriving he realised it was more than "just a bit of fun" and quickly adopted a leadership role, using football signals and encouragement to help teammates communicate and perform.
What the result means locally
Cllr Shearer underlined the achievement of reaching the quarter‑finals in Somerset’s first year at the competition and noted that two players progressing to England representative selection made the showing "even more special". For the council and partner agencies the tournament provided both competitive experience and social benefits, building confidence, teamwork and cross‑cultural communication among participants.
- Entrants: 18 young people in care and care leavers
- Event: Pro Alliance Champions Cup, Stadium MK
- Somerset performance: Both teams unbeaten in group stages; reached quarter‑finals
- Individual honours: Two players selected for England representative team
- Organisers/support: Somerset Council fostering service and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 18 |
| Stage reached | Quarter‑finals |
| England selections | 2 players |
For local services, events like the Pro Alliance Champions Cup offer a platform for young people with care experience to access national competition alongside peers from other areas, while also creating opportunities for personal development beyond sport. The council’s involvement demonstrates a continuing commitment to providing activities that support social integration and raise aspiration among care leavers and young people in care.
Those interested in finding out more about Somerset’s fostering service or the county’s youth activity provision can contact Somerset Council or the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership for details of upcoming programmes and opportunities for young people to take part in sport and development activities.
This report is based on material provided by Somerset Council and participants at the Pro Alliance Champions Cup.
