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Claremont Primary’s Year 6 girls have built on last year’s semi-final finish to qualify for the national stage of the Premier League Primary Stars Tournament, highlighting the impact of long-term support from Nottingham Forest Community Trust (NFCT) through the Premier League Primary Stars programme.

For many of the girls, school is their main football environment. NFCT has delivered consistent weekly Monday after-school sessions with Coach Ben, alongside targeted PE support during the school day. This sustained engagement has provided a clear development pathway, allowing pupils to improve their technical skills, tactical understanding, and resilience year on year. Mixed training sessions with boys have further strengthened the group, preparing them for fast-paced, physical competition.

Last year’s semi-final exit was an important learning experience. The girls returned this season focused on progression, ambition, and building on their previous performance. The results were clear, with the girls going unbeaten in the group stages, reaching the final for the first time, and finishing second overall, which secured their qualification to represent Nottingham Forest in June.

Ben reflected on their development: “As a coach in the women’s game myself, one of my aims is to get as many girls involved in school sport as possible. At Claremont over the past couple of years, we’ve seen more and more girls showcasing their skills.

“Each of the girls I have coached has grown and developed rapidly. The training sessions are relaxed, fun, and allow the girls to develop at their own pace, which exposes their true talent.

“These girls go above and beyond and never fail to impress. Last year we made the semi-finals, this year we have taken that one step further. The most memorable moment for me was seeing the switch of emotion from upset to screaming with excitement when they realised they were going on to represent Nottingham Forest—thoroughly deserved girls.”

NFCT’s delivery has gone beyond football skills. Through reflection, targeted feedback, and structured coaching, pupils have developed communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Each training session encourages self-assessment, helping the girls recognise their strengths and areas for improvement. The emotional and social impact is just as important and the girls feel valued, supported, and part of a team, which has carried over into confidence across school life.

Teaching Assistant Jess has seen the wider impact in school: “At Claremont, we’ve seen a rise in the number of girls eager to play football. This has partly come from Ben providing a girls’ football team, as well as displays around the school showcasing women’s football as positive role models.

“I also play football myself, which has sparked further interest. The girls often ask me questions when they see me around school, and the boys find it fascinating too.

“This challenges stereotypes around women in football and who can play the sport. It’s heartening to see the opportunities available to girls now compared to when I was their age.”

Premier League Primary Stars, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation, uses the appeal of football to support physical activity, learning, and personal development across PE, PSHE, English, and Maths. NFCT’s delivery shows how sustained programmes can create pathways for pupils who might not otherwise engage in sport outside school.