Cardiff City FC Community Foundation proudly hosts Utilita Girls Cup Area Final

On Friday 16th January, Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, in partnership with the EFL in the Community, proudly hosted their Utilita Girls Cup Area Final.

The national competition, organised by the EFL, pairs school teams with local EFL clubs. The Utilita Girls Cup Area Finals continue to take place this week, with winners from each entering Northern or Southern Regional Finals - the final step before the incredible Wembley Final (taking place prior to the Vertu Trophy Final on 12th April 2026).

Bristol Rovers (represented by Hayfield Girls’ School) and Plymouth Argyle (represented by Plymstock School) overcame rival schools representing Bristol City, Cardiff City, Exeter City, Newport County, Southampton, and Swansea City to reach the final.

After a tense final against Plymouth Argyle, Bristol Rovers held their nerve in a penalty shootout to be crowned tournament champions. With just one goal conceded throughout the competition, they now progress to the Regional Finals.

Ross Branson, Secondary Education Coordinator at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, said:“

The EFL Utilita Girls Cup is always a highlight in our calendar – it’s a chance for girls from our secondary school network to get out there, meet new people, and be part of something bigger than just football.

We’re incredibly proud to host this year’s tournament and to provide a platform for girls who are passionate about the game to shine, giving them the unforgettable opportunity to play at Wembley.”

To learn more about the opportunities Cardiff City FC Community Foundation provide for high schools across South Wales, explore our Secondary Education services.

About the Utilita Kids & Girls Cup

The Utilita Kids & Girls Cup are two of the country’s biggest national football competitions for schools and children. Both tournaments for junior footballers offers schoolchildren the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at Wembley Stadium, with the competition culminating in exciting finals at Wembley in front of thousands of people before major EFL finals, as schoolchildren live out their dream.

The annual football competition sees more than 20,000 boys and girls each year take to the pitch to represent the 72 EFL Clubs across England and Wales, bolstering the existing ties between Clubs and their local communities.

The competition inspires children to be active, healthy, and develop a strong sense of teamwork, and helped discover stars such as Ellie Roebuck, Adam Wharton, Jamal Musiala, and Scott McTominay.