The Alessia Cup, powered by Sky, returns with Lioness and Arsenal striker Alessia Russo to inspire next generation of girls

Friday 16 October 2026

The Alessia Cup, powered by Sky, returns with Lioness and Arsenal striker Alessia Russo to inspire next generation of girls

The Alessia Cup, powered by Sky, returned for its second year, bringing together girls from 18 schools in underserved areas of London for a day of football, confidence-building and exciting opportunities both on and off the pitch.

Following the inaugural tournament and launch of The Alessia Russo Foundation in 2025, Lioness and Arsenal striker Alessia Russo returned to inspire the next generation of young footballers, as girls from across London competed for the Alessia Cup. Highgate Wood School were crowned this years champions, taking home the trophy and prizes including England match tickets and adidas boots.

Beyond the football, participants had the chance to step into the world of broadcasting through Sky Up E-vehicles, using green-screen technology to create their own content and develop digital skills. The girls also enjoyed a range of workshops, including careers advice from Driven By Us, womens health support from Plan International, dance and T-shirt printing, alongside the opportunity to trial adidas football boots.

The day, delivered by Company A Works, finished with an on-stage Q&A with Alessia and Sky Sports Reporter Uma Gurav, giving participants the opportunity to hear about her experiences and ask questions.

Alessia Russo said: It's been amazing to work with Sky again to bring The Alessia Cup back for another year. It means so much to me to see so many young girls enjoying football, building their confidence and having fun together. I'm really proud to help break down barriers and create more opportunities for girls in sport, and I hope today inspires them to keep believing in themselves, both on and off the pitch.

Jonathan Licht, Chief Executive Officer, Sky Sports, UK&I, said: It's been fantastic to see the energy and enthusiasm at this year's Alessia Cup. At Sky, we know how important it is for girls to have access to sport and the opportunities that come with it. From getting active to exploring future careers, events like this show just how much sport can offer. We're proud to play a part in making that happen.

As the UKs leading investor and broadcaster of womens sport, Sky is committed to breaking down barriers to participation. Its Game Changing research found that girls aged 11-18 miss out on 280 million hours of sport each year compared with boys, despite the lasting benefits sport can bring. Through initiatives like the Alessia Cup, Sky is helping turn greater visibility into meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

Notes to Editors

Media enquiries: pippa.english@sky.uk

Participating schools

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School

St Mary Magdalene Academy

Waterside Academy

Haverstock School

Gladesmore Community School

Forest Gate Community School

Connaught School for Girls

Mulberry School for Girls

Highgate Wood School

Winchmore School

City of London Academy Shoreditch Park

City of London Academy Islington

Swanlea School

Highlands School

Riverside School

Heron Hall

Stoke Newington

Barking Abbey

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