The Premier League hosted an Under-16 National Tournament at Loughborough University in October, involving 28 Academy teams across Category 1 and Premier League Academies.
This was a flagship event in the Premier League's Games Programme calendar as it provides the U16 players with a memorable experience that enhances their football journey in what is an important stage of their development.
The clubs were drawn into seven groups of four, with the tournament providing plenty of game time and out-of-region opposition.
Following the conclusion of the group stage, the seven group winners plus the best overall runner-up progressed to the quarter-finals, with the next-best eight teams progressing through to the Shield quarter-finals.
This year's Under-16 champions were Chelsea, who defeated Fulham in the final.
Brighton & Hove Albion were winners of the U16 National Shield, beating Leicester City in the final.
The U16 National Tournament coincided with two of the Premier League’s dedicated No Room For Racism weekends.
Messaging and branding was on display across site as the Premier League continues its work to tackle discrimination and promote equality across the game.
The tournament also provided an opportunity to engage with parents, and on Saturday 14 October a parent panel was held onsite, which included three parents of current Academy Players, sharing their experiences to those in attendance.
