The Mayor's Football Cup 2026 – a finale of trophies, triumphs and tributes

Ladies East End Academy (pictured) claimed the winner’s trophy after beating the gallant Tower Hamlets Women’s team.

Two action packed weekends of competitions for the Mayor’s Football Cup 2026, saw 73 teams and 1,000 players come together to take part in exciting matches to support grassroots football.

In the tournament finals, Azzuri All Stars came back from being 1-0 down at half time, to score 3-1 against Stepney Youth and win the open age men’s trophy.

Ladies East End Academy, last year’s open age women’s runners up, claimed the winner’s trophy this year after beating the gallant Tower Hamlets Women’s team.

Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “The Mayor’s Football Cup is a fantastic celebration of grassroots football, bringing communities together through the power of sport. Every year, the tournament inspires residents of all ages to stay active, build connections, and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. My thanks go to all the players, officials, partners, sponsors, and supporters whose passion and commitment made this year’s competition another great success."

In the under 16’s final match, Vallance beat One Goal 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

The under 14’s finals match significantly saw two teams from Frontline Community play for the title. Black eventually beat Gold by 4-0. During the contest, teams and officials paid tribute to Banta Sillah, their young captain who tragically died this summer at Millwall Docks.

The junior finals the day before featured hard fought groups matches with Vallance claiming three titles and other trophies collected by Mile End Sporting and Central Tigers respectively.

Representatives of The Mayor’s Football Cup 2026 sponsors Clarion Futures, CWG, Guildmore and Riney, joined Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, and Councillor Minara Khatun Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture & Tourism to present medals and trophies to participants and winners.

Councillor Minara Khatun Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture & Tourism, said: “It has been wonderful to see so many players take part in this year’s Mayor’s Football Cup, making it one of our most successful tournaments yet. Events like this play an important role in promoting health, wellbeing and inclusion, while bringing our communities together through a shared love of football. Beyond the final whistle, the tournament not only celebrates sporting excellence but also helps inspire athletes of all ages and backgrounds to challenge themselves, build resilience and develop skills that will serve them well in all areas of life.”

This year’s Mayor’s Football Cup saw the return of the SEND Sports Festival co-ordinated by Vallance Community Trust in partnership with APASEN, Access Sports, Young Tower Hamlets, NHS East London Foundation, and London FA.

Matches for the Mayor’s Girls School Cup will be played on 8 October at Mile End Stadium mini pitches.

Results: