First ever African finalists

Right to Dream Academy became the first ever Premier Cup Africa Champions after beating Egyptian qualifiers ENPPI 1:0, in a compelling final at the Nike Hilversum Campus on Tuesday 10th June. The Ghanaian team’s victory secured their place at the World Finals of the Manchester United Premier Cup.

It was a nervous start for both teams although Right to Dream looked more likely to score as the game progressed but ENPPI held solid in defence and the match finished 0:0 after regular time. Right to Dream raised their tempo, taking their game to the next level in extra time and thrilled the crowd with a dazzling display. A goal knocked in from a beautifully taken free kick secured the win, and a coveted place in Manchester, just minutes before the final whistle.

Latest news on MUPC Finalist teams

It's been an exciting couple of weeks of football with the US and Mexican finals taking place.

San Diego Surf were crowned Champions at the Nike World Head Quarters in Beaverton Portland, after beating Pateadores 1-0 in the final.

Atlas from Mexico will return to Manchester as Mexican Champions (they were Champions and represented Mexico in 2007 & 2004). They played Monterrey in the final match, final score 1-0.

Latest qualifiers for this year's MUPC World Finals

We're just over half way to all our teams being confirmed for this year's MUPC World Finals, check out further information on each team in Road To. The Finalists so far:-

Germany - Eintracht Frankfurt
Italy - Juventus FC
Spain - Real Madrid FC
UK - Middlesbrough FC
Switzerland - FC Basel
Finland - FC Honka
Netherlands - Willem II
Chile - Audax Italiano
Brazil - Fluminense
China - Zhejiang Lucheng FC
Japan - Shizuoka Gakuen Jr. High School
Korea - Ansan Boogok Middle School
New Zealand - Central United
Host team - Manchester United

Watch this space - more finalist news coming very soon.....

Spanish Finalists joining us in Manchester

Valencia was the venue last weekend for the Spanish finals. After an excellent couple of days of football, Real Madrid were crowned Champions after beating last year's MUPC World Finalists, FC Barcelona, by 5-4 on penalties.

Spanish Finalist to be confirmed very soon

The Spanish finals will take place this weekend in Valenica - will it be Champions from last year, FC Barcelona, that return to Manchester to defend their title.

We will keep you updated on all the news from Spain and further qualifying tournaments happening soon....

All Stars of Premier Cup

Over a million players have taken part in the Premier Cup since its inception, including some of the most celebrated young footballers in the World. Premier Cup graduates currently playing a starring role at the highest level for Club and Country can be found in 'All Stars', they include Carlos Tevez, Fernando Torres and PFA Young Player of the Year Francesc Fabregas.
'Cesc' played alongside Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique for the FC Barcelona 'Dream Team' in the 2002 Premier Cup and recalled:

"The Premier Cup is a good experience for all young players. It conditions you to play in a tournament at a high competitive level. At that age this can be a valuable experience that you can use later in your professional career."

Watch this space for what the Manchester United stars think of MUPC!

European Finals take place in Lodz, Poland

Twenty of the best under-15 teams from across Europe gathered in Lodz, Poland this weekend to compete in the Premier Cup European Finals. The teams were playing to win one of three available places at the World Finals of Manchester United Premier Cup held in Manchester in August.

Switzerland's FC Basel 1893 were crowned Champions of the European Finals, after beating FC Honka from Finland in the Final by 2 goals to nil.

Consolation for the losing team and third place Willem II, is that the two clubs, alongside FC Basel advance to the MUPC World Finals in Manchester.