Fresh from their league-winning success, the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College’s female football team, part of our Stoke City FC Female Football Academy, enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 24th May. 

As champions of the Community and Education Football Alliance (CEFA) Central League, the team was invited to the EFL Championship Play-Off Final between Sheffield United and Sunderland, where they were officially presented with their league trophy and winners’ medals. 

The Female Football Academy – delivered in association with Stoke City Football Club – provides students with the opportunity to combine high-level football coaching with academic study. This year’s squad have gone from strength to strength, finishing the season as league champions and being recognised on a national stage. 

In addition to their medal presentation, the players enjoyed complimentary food and drink and free match tickets to witness two top-tier teams battle it out for a place in the Premier League. 

Coach Lucy Ridgeway, from Stoke City FC, said: 

This season our Stoke A team have won the Community and Education Football Alliance Central League and so were invited to Wembley for the EFL Playoff finals to celebrate in style. The girls received medals and a trophy alongside other league winners and made the most of the experience — it was a fantastic day and a brilliant reward for all their hard work this season.

David Hardwick, Sports, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, added: 

This is an amazing achievement for the team and a real testament to their commitment, teamwork and determination throughout the season. Our association with Stoke City FC continues to provide students with outstanding coaching, development opportunities, and experiences like this one at Wembley Stadium. It’s a brilliant example of how sport at the Sixth Form College goes far beyond the classroom — helping students grow both on and off the pitch.

Second-year student, captain and central midfielder Layla Kennerley, shared her thoughts on the day: 

Going to Wembley was such a surreal experience. Being able to walk out onto the pitch and receive our medals in front of thousands of fans made all our hard work feel worth it. It’s something I’ll never forget, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved as a team.

The event marked a memorable end to a dominant season for the team, who were previously crowned league champions – you can read more about that achievement here. 

Congratulations once again to our players, coaches, and our valued partners at Stoke City FC – we’re incredibly proud of your success on and off the pitch! 

If you’re passionate about football and want to train with professional coaches while studying.