Nearly 400 young people were this week able to follow in the steps of Hannah Hampton and Bukayo Saka when they travelled to St George's Park for the latest Premier League Kicks Cup.
Over two days, 47 under-16 teams from England and Wales came together at the iconic National Football Centre, home to all of England's national men's, women's and para football teams, to celebrate the year-round work of the Premier League Kicks programme.
Each of the clubs had already taken part in regional qualifying tournaments for the right to play at St George's Park, where they wore the kit of their professional football club side and took part in fixtures refereed by Premier League, English Football League and Women's Super League match officials.
It was the team representing Everton who claimed victory on day one, when they defeated Watford 3-1 in the final having conceded only one goal all tournament.
"Everyone played well," said Everton captain Joe. "We came out sharp and stayed solid all the way through. There were loads of good teams but we battled all the way, stuck together and that's why we won.
"Premier League Kicks means everything to me. It's helped me develop, not just as a footballer but as a person.
"Through Everton I've managed to get a job. I've met so many good people, the staff treat me well and they gave me the chance to play football."
The tournament was a poignant moment for the Everton coaches, who have worked with the participants for the the last four years.
"This is the cherry on the cake for this group," said John Rawlinson, Everton in the Community's Premier League Kicks co-ordinator. "They have matured so much. I couldn't ask more from them. It's an unbelievable feeling to have won it.
"This will be a massive confidence boost for them and is just the start of the journey.
"The area that the majority are from is one of the most deprived areas of the city. There's a lot going on. It's shown them what they are capable of. They don't miss a Premier League Kicks session and that's testament to what we give them."
The Premier League Kicks girls' tournament took place on day two with the team from Crewe Alexandra lifting the trophy thanks to victory over Sheffield United.
"I really can't believe it," said Crewe striker Sophie, who scored twice in the final. "It really has been a brilliant day. It's not everyday you get to come to a place like this.
"We won because of this team. Each and every one of us brings something brilliant. Being here has brought us closer. There's a belief now.
"When we turned up at St George's Park this morning I felt like I'd finally done something, something I can tell people in the future about."
Premier League Kicks is the Premier League's flagship community programme and involves clubs across England and Wales running free weekly football sessions and positive activity to engage and support young people.
As well as the action on the pitch, representatives from police forces, local authorities and local government joined the Premier League and Premier League Charitable Fund at the tournament to explore further opportunities to work together to support young people.
This season's Premier League Kicks Cup finals also supported players’ mental health and wellbeing by offering participants the opportunity to take part in a range of additional activities and workshops run by Beyond Equality and Dreamfruit.
"For 20 years, Premier League Kicks has championed inclusion and created opportunities for young people across England and Wales," said Premier League Charitable Fund Chief Executive, Alex White.
"The programme has had a transformative impact, providing free access to football for more than half a million young people, right in the heart of their communities.
"By offering safe, supportive spaces to play, Premier League Kicks helps build stronger, safer communities in areas of highest need. The Premier League Kicks Cup brings this mission to life, giving young people the chance to form friendships, engage in positive experiences and unlock their potential on and off the pitch."
About Premier League Kicks
Premier League Kicks will soon celebrate 20 years of community impact, having begun in Season 2006/07 in partnership with the Metropolitan Police. Its aim is to involve and support young people in regular, positive and fun activity, helping to create stronger, safer, more inclusive communities.
Today, clubs work with 43 territorial police forces throughout the country to tackle issues affecting young people, with regular sessions taking place in disadvantaged areas.
Club charities also provide additional year-round support through the Premier League Kicks programme including mentoring, life skills advice and access to opportunities such as volunteering and social action projects to aid personal development.
Since it began, more than 550,000 young people have participated in Premier League Kicks football and multi-sport sessions delivered by 93 Premier League, EFL and National League sides. More than one million hours of sessions have been delivered since launch.
To date, the Premier League has invested more than £91.7 million in Premier League Kicks through the Premier League Charitable Fund.