Saturday 21 June 2025 marked a decade of memories, magic, and meaning at Play For The Memory, and what a day it was—broadcast live all day on Sky Sports and fuelled by inspiration from start to finish.
With 20 elite teams, hundreds of spectators, celebrity appearances, and unforgettable moments, PFTM 2025 proved once again why it remains one of the most significant community tournaments in the UK football calendar.
We are proud to announce Camden United FC as this year’s PFTM Men’s Champions, lifting the trophy after a sensational unbeaten run.
Led by the ever-inspiring Omar Sufi, Camden United played with passion, precision, and purpose, embodying the spirit of the late Abdulaziz Munye, the club’s founder. Created in 2019 to fight youth violence and provide free football for Camden’s young people, Abdulaziz’s legacy continues to shine brightly in moments like these.
Their dominance began in Group D, where they topped the table with a perfect record: 4 wins from 4, 12 points, and a whopping +10 goal difference. Their knockout journey saw them defeat:
From start to finish, Camden United were resilient, composed, and unshakable in their mission—lifting the trophy not just for themselves, but for a legacy far greater.
The electric midfielder was unstoppable throughout the day, delivering game-winning performances and showing class, leadership, and flair. His contributions didn’t go unnoticed as he was awarded the Player of the Tournament presented with a luxury Crown & Co watch for his efforts.
A rising star who lit up the tournament with his creativity, speed and vision. Tarelle was presented the One to Watch Award by football legend Andy Cole—a moment of recognition for a young baller on a steep upward trajectory.
This year’s tournament was proudly supported by:
Special thanks to our iconic guests:
This year marked 10 years of Play For The Memory, a movement that continues to honour lives lost, empower youth, and celebrate community through the universal language of football.
With 20 teams across four groups battling it out, the level was sky high. Big results, last-minute winners, penalty drama, and emotional comebacks defined the day. Whether in the elite knockouts or the spirited placement “Memory Games”, every team left their mark.
Play For The Memory is about more than results; it’s about unity, opportunity, and purpose. Camden United’s journey is the perfect example of football as a force for good: built in memory, run through community, and thriving with love.
Congratulations once again to all the players, coaches, and teams. But especially to our champions Camden United FC, who not only won the tournament but reminded us why we play.
Date: Sunday 6th July 2025
Arrival: 8:30 AM • Kickoff: 9:00 AM
Location: Cheshunt FC
The U14s took the early Sunday slot and turned it into a showcase of raw talent, smart play, and relentless passion. Eleven teams came ready to compete but above all to have fun, express their skills, and push the limits on the pitch.
London Athletic stormed through their group with an unbeaten record, then powered past Juventus London Academy and London Elite in the knockout rounds to lift the championship trophy with a confident 2–0 win over Echoes Orange in the final.
In an epic Silver Shield final, Global Football Academy edged out Echoes Black 2–0 after some dazzling displays throughout the day. Meanwhile, Leytonstone Youth Black closed out with a solid 3–0 victory over Crown & Manor in the placement game.
What a start to Sunday! The U14s brought a brilliant mix of skill, spirit, and pure enjoyment. Every team lit up the pitch in their own way, reminding us all why PFTM is about more than just winning—it’s about creating an environment where fun, flair, and friendship come first. Can’t wait to see all these future stars back next year, even hungrier and more fired up!
Date: Sunday 6th July 2025
Arrival: 12:00 PM • Kickoff: 12:30 PM
Location: Cheshunt FC
The U13s lit up the pitch with thrilling action, slick moves, and a true spirit of competition mixed with fun. Twelve teams brought their A-game, dazzling spectators with clever tricks, solid teamwork, and memorable moments throughout the day.
After a tough group phase and exciting knockout rounds, SJW Red edged out Impact FC 3–2 in a nail-biting final to lift the trophy, showcasing resilience and sharp skills under pressure.
In the Silver Shield competition, Norsemmen FC triumphed 1–0 over Limitless Lisbon after a dominant semi-final performance, rounding out the day with a hard-fought win that rewarded their determination.
Champions: SJW Red
Runners-up: Impact FC
Silver Shield Winners: Norsemmen FC
Silver Shield Runners-up: Limitless Lisbon
Prime – energising every sprint and strike
Drip Water – keeping every player refreshed and ready
David Lloyd Clubs Enfield – supporting the wellbeing of every competitor
The One Glove – giving goalkeepers the edge to shine
The U13s brought a perfect blend of fun, flair, and fierce competition. Each team showed incredible spirit and skills that left everyone buzzing. We can’t wait to see all these fantastic young players back next season, bringing even more excitement and creativity to the pitch!
Date: Saturday, 5 July 2025
Location: Cheshunt FC
Arrival: 10:00 AM • Kickoff: 10:30 AM
The energy was unreal as our U12s kicked off the weekend with 10 incredible teams showcasing their talent, swagger, and pure love for the game. From silky stepovers to top-corner screamers, the day was packed with tekkers and non-stop action.
After dominating the group stages, Impact Haggerston went all the way—clinching the Champions League Trophy with a 1–0 win over a strong Ware Youth Clarets side. Friends Utd added to the buzz by taking home the Silver Shield, edging past Focus Football in a tight 1–0 final.
Whether you were chasing trophies or just chasing the vibe, every team brought something special. And the support from coaches, families, and fans turned it into a proper football festival.
Hendon Youth also closed out with a standout 3–1 win over Juventus London Academy in the placement match—ending their tournament on a real high.
Champions: Impact Haggerston
Runners-up: Ware Youth Clarets
Silver Shield Winners: Friends Utd
Silver Shield Runners-up: Focus Football
Placement Match Win: Hendon Youth
Prime – fuelling the flair all day long
Drip Water – keeping players hydrated through every match
David Lloyd Clubs Enfield – supporting player recovery and wellbeing
The One Glove – providing elite gloves for every keeper on the pitch
A massive well done to every single player, team, and coach. The atmosphere, skills, and spirit on display were everything we want PFTM to represent. We’re already buzzing for next year—so train those skills, bring your creativity, and we’ll see you back on the pitch soon!
Date: Saturday 5 July 2025
Arrival: 2:00 PM • Kickoff: 2:30 PM
Location: Cheshunt FC
The afternoon belonged to the ballers of tomorrow. The U11s brought serious energy, unmatched flair, and a fearless attitude that had the crowd buzzing all day. It wasn’t just football—it was freestyle, fun, and future star quality on full display.
After a strong group-stage showing and back-to-back wins in the knockouts, **Chars FC Blues** were crowned champions with a showstopping run, finishing the day unbeaten and lifting the trophy with pride. **Global Football Academy** pushed them all the way in the final after a slick journey through the brackets.
**Impact FC** battled hard to claim the **Silver Shield**, proving their grit with a 1–0 win over the winner of the FAE Youth vs. District Eleven semi-final. Meanwhile, **Chars FC Yellows** grabbed a win in the internal showdown against **Chars FC Greens** in the placement match.
Champions: Chars FC Blues
Runners-up: Global Football Academy
Silver Shield Winners: Impact FC
Silver Shield Runners-up: TBD (final result pending)
Placement Game Winners: Chars FC Yellows
Prime – fuelling every pass, press, and panna
Drip Water – keeping all our players hydrated and performing at their best
David Lloyd Clubs Enfield – supporting recovery and wellness across the day
The One Glove – giving our goalkeepers elite-level confidence between the posts
Huge shoutout to every player, team, coach, and family who made this event such a joy. From backheels to big saves, the U11s brought the full show—and we can’t wait to welcome you all back next year for even more .
The 2024 Men’s Play For The Memory (PFTM) Tournament will be remembered as a day of triumph, not just for a team, but for a legacy. For nine long years, JVJM has fought valiantly on the field, often falling short of their goals, yet always pushing forward with unwavering passion. This year, however, they achieved what many thought was beyond their reach: victory.
Since its inception, the tournament has been more than just a competition for JVJM. It has been a chance to honor the memory of their close friend, Jack Merrick. Jack’s spirit has been the driving force behind the team, pushing them through both victories and defeats, reminding them that each match is about more than just the score. It’s about remembering a friend and playing with heart.
This year’s PFTM tournament was different. JVJM entered the competition with a renewed sense of purpose. They were ready to make their mark, not just for themselves, but for Jack. Their journey was not easy, but it was full of determination. They entered the group stage as underdogs, as they had in the past, but this time, something was different. Every pass, every tackle, every goal felt charged with a collective energy that could not be ignored.
In the final, JVJM faced ATF, a team participating for the very first time in the tournament. The newcomers, full of hope and excitement, were no match for the experience and sheer heart of JVJM. From the first whistle, it was clear that JVJM was on a mission. Their play was slick, fast, and incredibly precise. The final score was 3-1, but the match was about so much more than just goals on the scoreboard. It was about what they had overcome to reach that moment.
Their victory was a celebration of years of hard work and love for their late friend. As the final whistle blew and the players erupted into jubilant celebration, the world seemed to stand still for a brief moment. JVJM danced in the middle of the field, their joy contagious, as their fans cheered them on. Their victory wasn’t just for them—it was for Jack. It was a tribute to everything he stood for, and in that moment, it felt like he was there with them, sharing in their triumph.
Meanwhile, Jack’s father, Kevin Merrick, was watching from abroad, unable to be there physically but connected to the moment through the live updates being sent to him. Kevin had supported JVJM from the very beginning, and he had always believed that this moment would come. On that day, the message was clear: Jack’s legacy lives on in each goal, each play, and each victory they achieved.
The 2024 Men’s Play For The Memory Tournament will go down in history as the year JVJM finally achieved their dream. But it will also be remembered for the love, the memory, and the camaraderie that fueled their journey. The team’s dance at the end wasn’t just a celebration of their victory—it was a celebration of everything they had fought for, and everything Jack had meant to them.
This victory was not just a personal triumph; it was a victory for the memory of a beloved friend, a victory for unity, and a reminder that, no matter the obstacles, heart, and determination will always shine through.
The 2023 Play For The Memory Men's Football Tournament was not just a showcase of incredible football talent but also a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health, both in life and in sport. The All Nations team, competing from diverse backgrounds, emerged as the champions, sending a strong message of unity and solidarity through the beautiful game.
The tournament’s mission was clear: raise awareness about mental illness, a topic often overlooked in both everyday life and sports. The All Nations team embodied this cause, playing not just for victory, but to spark conversations and drive change around mental health struggles that athletes and individuals face across the globe.
With a mix of skill, passion, and determination, the All Nations team demonstrated what football truly represents – unity. Players from various nations came together to form a team that was not only formidable on the field but also united in their commitment to supporting mental health initiatives. Their victory was a testament to the power of sport to bring people together, break down barriers, and inspire positive change.
The tournament was filled with emotion, excitement, and unforgettable moments. The All Nations team’s performance stood out, not just because they won, but because of their unwavering focus on the cause. The energy from the crowd, the cheers from supporters, and the spirit of camaraderie highlighted the significance of the day. Winning the prestigious 7v7 tournament was a perfect way to cap off an incredible event that will be remembered for its heart and its message.
The Play For The Memory Tournament serves as a reminder that football, like any sport, can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about crucial social issues. The All Nations team not only lifted the trophy for the second time in successive years, but also helped shine a light on mental health, proving that through sport, we can all make a difference.
As they celebrated their well-deserved win, they also reaffirmed their commitment to using football as a platform for greater good. For the All Nations team, it wasn’t just about the game – it was about starting meaningful conversations, inspiring change, and showing the world the strength that comes from unity, both on and off the pitch.
What a performance from All Nations. They can finally call themselves PFTM champions.
A storming performance from the mental health campaigners. All Nations have often found themselves in the latter stages of the PFTM competition but have never managed to cross the line with the winner's trophy. That all changed on Saturday 18th June 2022, putting two QFs and a semi-final loss behind them. Kurt and Karl Mahon have been instrumental in bringing exuberance, togetherness, colour, enthusiasm, friends, and family as they tackle not only football racial injustice but also tackle the stigma of mental health in sport.
PFTM is proud to have such good people represent their tournaments and do so passionately with honour and grace.
It wasn’t an easy journey, but they made it and had this to say; “The Play for the memory tournament is a tournament we’ve always wanted to win! PFTM has allowed us to represent our brother and what we care about. The feeling of winning and wearing the badge was unreal.” “Shout out to Calvin who couldn’t be there this time as he became a dad and a special mention to Mama who All Nations family lost recently - lost one but gained one”. What a tribute!
Player of the Tournament went to Arjun Jung who was voted for by the referees and his opposition colleagues. A classy maestro with big things ahead of him in the world of football.
Congratulations to the NEW CHAMPIONS OF PFTM!!!
THE question we always ask? Can they retain the title?
It's easier said than done but something tells us it isn’t going to be easy wrestling the PFTM Trophy from them.
What an event! A live signing by the Manchester United legend that is Andy Cole gave our tournament an added buzz.
The treble winning goal scoring phenomenon had football fans turning into excitable kids as they relived their best memories with him.
Time for everybody, Andy Cole showed what Play For The Memory Is all about
The first BIG tournament since we experienced lock down and was it special. So very special.
Our holders, Ibelieve, were the reigning champions and eager to hold onto their title. Anton Blackwood and his PC7 team had other ideas. Anton who has always been instrumental in the Power Circle 7 team was back, reclaiming the armband from stand in skipper Sam Cox who had gone close to winning PFTM on many occasions in Anton’s absence.
The duo combined and regained the coveted trophy!
Anton mentioned: “Since we won the title all those years ago, this year we were coming to put our name back on the trophy! It's the best tournament we play in and it’s such a high level with people playing in the right spirits and for amazing reasons. We are just happy that we won it again and we can play our part in helping people.
Power Circle fielded a strong team with some great characters who are all making great waves in football, sport, and business.
Topping their group of 10 teams with an impressive 20 points, saw PC7 beat strong opposition of Focus in the QF, Da Bridge in the SF and Loughborough University in the final.
Player of the tournament went Adrian Clifton (from Power Circle 7) who was selected by the referees and presented the award by Andy Cole. As a forward who has had a great career in football what an experience for him. Look out for Adrian Clifton as he will surely be doing great things in the near future.
Goalkeeper of the tournament went to Jamal Rose (also of Power Circle 7) what a performance he put in keeping clean sheets for fun and commanding his area with confidence.
As always, we ask the question will they hold onto the trophy, it's easier said than done.
After 3 successive back to back years; Goal Star Soccers hold on the coveted PFTM Trophy and all the trimmings that comes with winning has been broken by a fantastic Ibelieve team. Ollie Modeste assembled a great squad with high quality technical players, a goal keeper who won Player of the tournament and squad that worked for one another at every single moment!!
Qualifying top of their group not losing a single game out of their 7 group games they stormed into the QF stages. Beating All nations in the QF and a strong Crown and Manor in the semi Final via penalties saw a heavy weight clash between twice beaten finalist Barawa FA.
As expected it was a tight and high level affair with Mr. Mcgee the GK claiming his spot as Player of the Tournament, with a world class save and also a huge part to play in saving a big penalty in the penalty shootout, the first time in PFTM history a GK has won such an award.
Huge congratulations to Oliver Modeste, the Ibelieve team his supporters and also management team of a few stars of the future. Ollie donated the winning £1000 prize money to Concussion and the life changing effects it can have on lives both inside and outside of sport.
As always the questions remains... Will they retain the title in 2020?
