Young footballers from Portsmouth have returned home with top honours after a successful 10-day trip to the United States. The squads, representing the Pompey in the Community BTEC programme, competed in the 6th Annual Easter International Cup held at the Austin Tindall Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida, between 27 March and 6 April 2026.
The girls’ team finished as champions of the tournament after staging a remarkable comeback victory against the Kings Hammer Swan City Soccer Club. The boys’ squad also delivered a strong performance, reaching the Plate Final and finishing as runners-up in their division.
For many of the players, who are all under 19, the tournament provided more than just competitive football experience. Several squad members were travelling abroad for the first time. Among them was 16-year-old Lauren, a student in the programme who plays for the AFC Portchester Women’s first team. This trip marked her first time flying, and she celebrated her 17th birthday while in America.
The BTEC Sport programme is a two-year course for aspiring players aged 16 to 18, operated in partnership with the City of Portsmouth College. Students combine their academic studies with professional training and competitive fixtures, often using the John Jenkins Stadium in Copnor as their base. The £5.2m facility, named after the late D-Day veteran and dedicated supporter of the club, serves as the central hub for the charity’s training and community efforts.
Pompey in the Community acts as the official charitable arm of Portsmouth Football Club and supports more than 35,000 people each year. Led by CEO Clare Martin MBE, who has served the organisation for over 17 years, the charity was recognised as the EFL Community Club of the Year in 2017 and 2019. The programme frequently incorporates international tours to provide players with unique cultural experiences and high-level competition.
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