14 November 2025
Welcome to the Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup 25-26
The English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) is delighted to announce the return of the Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup for the 2024/25 season, bringing another year of excitement, teamwork and unforgettable footballing moments to pupils across England. Now entering its fourth consecutive year, this national competition continues to grow, inspiring thousands of young players to get active, develop new skills and celebrate the joy of school sport.
The Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup is the largest primary-aged schools’ cup competition in England, with over 5,000 school teams and over 50,000 children taking to pitches across England to play in this huge tournament. The competition is split into three categories aimed at providing as many opportunities to play as possible for primary school children across England.
- Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup – Girls’ Competition
Designed to encourage participation and inspire the next generation of female footballers. - Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup – Small Schools’ Competition
Open to smaller primary schools with not more than 95 pupils on roll in Years 4 and 6 and not more than 65 pupils in Years 5 and 6. than 65 pupils in Key Stage 2. - Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup – School Teams’ Competition
A mixed competition open to all primary schools.
The 2025/26 competition is already underway, with district rounds taking place between September and December. Schools that progress will then move into the County Finals, hosted by County Schools’ FAs from December to February.
County champions advance to their respective Regional Finals, where the strongest teams from across England compete for a coveted place at the Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup National Finals, taking place in May 2026. Reaching the National Finals is a remarkable achievement and for many pupils, it becomes a treasured memory from their primary school years.
Full information on the competition structure, rules and eligibility criteria can be found in the Pokemon primary Schools’ Cup toolkit here.
Join the Conversation & Get Involved
Throughout the season, the ESFA and Pokémon will be sharing competition updates, highlights and behind-the-scenes coverage across social media. Schools, teachers and families are encouraged to follow along, share their stories and celebrate the achievements of young players nationwide.
Stay connected:
- ESFA on X, Instagram and Facebook: @schoolsfootball
- Pokémon on X, Instagram and Facebook: @pokemonnewsuk
- Follow the action on PokemonESFA.com
- Don’t forget to tag us and use #PokemonSchoolsCup to join the conversation!
Ready to get your school involved in the Pokemon Primary Schools’ Cup? Contact your local County Schools’ FA to see how you can get involved or email Competitons@schoolsfa.com for more information.
