Vertu Primary Schools Cup Recognised With Ford Local Impact Award
The Vertu Primary Schools Cup has been recognised with a Local Impact Award at Ford’s annual Dealer Marketing Awards for the positive difference it has made across communities in the West Midlands.
Operated by the Birmingham City Football Club Foundation, the Vertu Primary Schools Cup has proven to be a resounding success over the past two years as a key part of the partnership between the Club and the UK’s fourth-largest automotive retailer.
The Primary Schools Cup has provided thousands of children with the chance to take part in games at the Knighthead Performance Centre for the opportunity to progress to Finals Day, which has been hosted at the famous St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park stadium.
Our Lady of The Wayside from Solihull were crowned champions in the mixed competition in the inaugural event, before Colmore Junior School from Kings Heath claimed the title earlier this year.
St. John’s Middle School Academy from Bromsgrove won the girls’ competition in its first year before successfully defending the title in 2026.
In total, more than 2,000 children have taken part in the competition over the past two seasons, with many gaining access to organised competitive sport opportunities that may otherwise have been unavailable to them.
Teams were provided with branded kits to wear throughout the competition, while a select group also had the opportunity to watch the Birmingham City Women's team training and meet the players afterwards.
The Local Impact Award is the latest recognition for the programme, which was highly commended at the inaugural Global Football Awards and was also shortlisted for honours at the Football Business Awards.
Antony Isherwood, Director at Birmingham City FC Foundation, said: "The Vertu Primary Schools Cup gets thousands of young people playing competitive football, representing their school and enjoying some incredible experiences along the way.
“Thanks to Vertu, schoolchildren get to walk out on the pitch at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, play in-front of a packed stand, and live out their dream. This programme, delivered with the Birmingham City FC Foundation, creates lifelong memories, and we're so proud of that."
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu, said: “Winning Ford's Local Impact Award is fantastic recognition for everyone who has helped to make the Vertu Primary Schools Cup such a success.
“Over the past two years, the programme has provided an amazing opportunity for more than 2,000 children to take part in competitive sport, with schools benefiting from access to equipment, facilities and experiences that many children would not otherwise have enjoyed.
“The success of this initiative alongside Birmingham City FC shows what can be achieved when businesses and community organisations work together with a shared purpose to make a positive difference.”