More than 200 school and college pupils took to the pitch at Kenilworth Road on 18 May 2026, as the University of Bedfordshire returned to the home of Luton Town Football Club to host its annual Festival of Football. The event, which marked its third consecutive year, offered young people from across the region a chance to play in friendly tournaments at the professional stadium while learning about future careers in sports and higher education.
The festival is a key feature of the official education partnership between the university and the football club. This partnership began in September 2023, building on a relationship between the two organisations that has lasted for more than a decade.
Dr Lindsey Smith, Head of the School of Sport, Psychology and Social Sciences at the university, said: “This event is one of the highlights of our year, bringing together schools, students and staff in a unique environment that combines sport, education and aspiration. Events like this give young people a real sense of what is possible, whether that’s progressing into higher education, developing a career in sport, or simply building confidence through participation.”
The 2026 tournament saw school and college teams compete alongside current university students, staff, and applicants starting their courses in September 2026. The initiative is part of a broader programme of activities that has included a public lecture delivered by Luton Town first-team manager Jack Wilshere at the university earlier this year.
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