Results of the first Care Leavers’ Week Championship Cup

On Wednesday 26 October 2022, Walsall was proud to host the very first Care Leavers’ Week (CLW) Championship Cup during National Care Leavers’ Week.

Teams made up of young people previously in care from Walsall, Wolverhampton and Coventry competed in the friendly tournament, held at Oak Park Active Living Centre, with Walsall playing a blinder and taking home the cup.

Walsall’s team has been training twice a week since August this year in preparation for the tournament, forming new friendships with a strong team bond along the way. In the cup final, the team played a fantastic game, showing pride and determination, and beating Wolverhampton 4-0 to lift the CLW Championship Cup 2022. 

Councillor Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Walsall Council, said, “I am proud that Walsall had the opportunity to host the first ever CLW Championship Cup and it was fantastic to see so many care leavers come together to enjoy the day. 

“The sense of camaraderie and friendship amongst the team is brilliant to see, and they showed a real sense of pride as they played a great game and won the cup. They really did Walsall proud!

“It is so important for us to ensure that our care leavers feel fully supported in their transition to independence and part of our job as a local authority is to help them build that sense of community. I want to thank the Transition and Leaving Care team for their hard work in organising the tournament, and for their continued support of our care leavers.”

Sally Rowe, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Walsall Council, said, “It has been an honour for Walsall to host the very first CLW Championship Cup for National Care Leavers’ Week.

“The commitment shown by the Walsall team today, coming back after being down three goals in the first game to then win 5-4 against Coventry, showed the resilience of this team. In the final, they demonstrated pride and determination and gave an unbelievable performance to beat Wolverhampton 4-0 and win the tournament.

“The team were elated to win and we are all really proud of them. I’d like to extend my thanks to the Transition and Leaving Care team at Walsall Council for their hard work in making this happen. It was a fantastic day.”

National Care Leavers’ Week runs from 24 to 31 October 2022 and is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of young people in the Borough who were previously in the care of the local authority. 

Walsall Council continues to care and support young people as they become adults to ensure they have the support that they need once they leave care. The Council provides a Transition and Leaving Care Hub, which is a place for care leavers to go for a chat and to access additional support and advice.