26 May 2026

Primary schools from across the UK celebrate winning national finals

Stoke City Stadium was brought to life as the nation’s brightest young footballers battled it out at the 2025/26 Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup Finals. Following a standout season that engaged more than 50,000 young players nationwide, champions were crowned and lifted the trophy in front of a roaring crowd, cheered on by none other than Pikachu.

Now in its fourth year, the partnership between the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) and The Pokémon Company International continues to go from strength to strength. But this competition is about more than winning; it’s about community, teamwork and friendship. From showcasing skill on the pitch to building lasting bonds off it, players created unforgettable moments every step of the way.

The 2025/26 National Finals winners were crowned on the day, and they are:

U11 Schools’ Cup Champions: Corpus Christi Catholic Primary Academy

 

U11 Girls’ Cup Champions: Southborough Primary School

U11 Small Schools’ Cup Champions: St John’s C.E Primary School  

The matches were all live-streamed and remain on ESFA TV for you to watch all the action back.

U11 Schools’ Cup
Final Results

Group A

Team	School	PLD	PTS	GD
1	Bolton-le-Sands C of E Primary School	3	6	1
2	Covingham Park Primary School	3	6	1
3	Codsall Middle School	3	4	0
4	Doddinghurst C Of E Junior School	3	1	-2

 

Group B

Team	School	PLD	PTS	GD
1	Corpus Christi Catholic Primary Academy	3	7	4
2	Farnworth C of E Primary School	3	6	-1
3	Baden-Powell and St Peter’s C of E Junior School	3	4	0
4	Greenfields Primary School	3	0	-3

Semi-Finals

Team		Team	Score
Bolton- le-Sands C of E Primary School	v	Farnworth C of E Primary School	0-1
Corpus Christi Catholic Primary Academy	v	Covingham Park Primary School	4-0

Final

Team		Team	Score
Farnworth C of E Primary School	v	Corpus Christi Catholic Primary Academy	0-2

 

3^rd/4^th Place Play Off

Team		Team	Score
Bolton- le-Sands C of E Primary School	v	Covingham Park Primary School	1-0

 

U11 Girls’ Cup
Final Results

Group A

Team	School	PLD	PTS	GD
1	Mossbourn Riverside Primary Academy	3	7	3
2	Saltergate Junior School	3	4	-1
3	Heatherside Junior School	3	3	0
4	Christ Church Academy	3	1	-2

Group B

Team	School	PLD	PTS	GD
1	Southborough Primary School	3	7	7
2	Basildon Primary School	3	4	-1
3	Glynne Primary School	3	3	-1
4	St John Vianney RC Primary School	3	3	-5

Semi-Finals

Team		Team	Score
Mossbourn Riverside Primary Academy	v	Basildon Primary School	0-1
Southborough Primary School	v	Saltergate Junior School	1-0

Final

Team		Team	Score
Basildon Primary School	v	Southborough Primary School	2-4

 

3^rd/4^th Place Play Off

Team		Team	Score
Mossbourn Riverside Primary Academy	v	Saltergate Junior School	1-0

 

U11 Small Schools’ Cup
Fixtures

Group A

Team	Team	PLD	PTS	GD
1	St Alban’s C of E Academy	3	7	4
2	St John’s C.E. Primary School	3	6	3
3	Crudgington Primary School	3	4	-1
4	St Michael’s CE Primary School	3	0	-6

 

Group B

Team	Team	PLD	PTS	GD
1	Childer Thornton Primary School	3	7	2
2	St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School	3	6	5
3	Shustoke C of E Primary School	3	3	-4
4	Barnwood C of E Primary School	3	1	-3

Semi-Finals

Team		Team	Score
St Alban’s C of E Academy	v	St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School	0-1
Childer Thornton Primary School	v	St John’s C.E. Primary School	1-2

Final

Team		Team	Score
St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School	v	St John’s C.E. Primary School	1-2

 

3^rd/4^th Place Play Off

Team		Team	Score
St Alban’s C of E Academy	v	Childer Thornton Primary School	1-0

 

“The atmosphere at this year’s Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup Finals was truly exceptional. From kickoff to the final whistle, the passion, teamwork and skill on display were a joy to witness. It’s events like these that highlight the powerful role sport can play in bringing young people together, building confidence and creating lasting memories. Congratulations to every player and school involved this season,” said Peter Murphy, Senior Director of Marketing at The Pokémon Company International. “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the ESFA, supporting opportunities for children to grow, connect and develop a lifelong love of the game.”

Tony James, Chair, English Schools’ Football Association added,

“It has been a tremendous privilege to see the continued growth and success of the Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup. This competition represents so much of what is special about schools’ football — opportunity, inclusion, teamwork and enjoyment. Across the country, thousands of young players have had the chance to represent their schools with pride, develop confidence and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.

The atmosphere at today’s Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup Final has been outstanding and the standard of football on display has reflected the dedication of pupils, staff, parents and volunteers throughout the season”, said Tony James, Chair of the English Schools’ Football Association. “On behalf of the English Schools’ FA, I would like to congratulate every team that has taken part and thank The Pokémon Company International for their continued support and commitment to providing such a positive experience for young people.”

The U11 Schools’ Cup, U11 Girls’ Cup and U11 Small Schools’ Cup competitions provide a pathway for teams to progress through three rounds of competition, culminating in the National Finals.

Schools who would like to join the action in the 2026/2027 season can contact their District or County Schools’ FA to get involved in next year’s local rounds.

The Pokémon Company International is on a mission to delight their fans through excellent products and meaningful experiences. Through initiatives like the Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup, there is continued support of the development of young talent while spreading joy and connection through sport.

 

Photo credits: English Schools Football Association Pokemon Primary Schools Cup National Finals at Stoke City FC on Friday 15th May 2026 (c) Garry Griffiths | ThreeFiveThree Photography