LALIGA and Bloomsbury Football Foundation to host second instalment of girls-only schools’ tournament with ex-Barcelona player Toni Duggan in attendance

The day will be further enhanced by Toni Duggan participating as an ambassador for the event. Toni will interact with players and teams throughout the day and be available, alongside Bloomsbury, LALIGA and FUNDACIÓN LALIGA representatives, to discuss with attending media the LALIGA x Bloomsbury Football partnership and the importance of empowering girls through sport.

The Finals Day is the concluding stage of LALIGA and Bloomsbury’s schools’ competition and brings together over 100 young girls across 16 teams. Alongside the competitive matches, additional training drills led by Bloomsbury and FUNDACIÓN LALIGA coaches, will be in operation throughout the day focused on promoting the positive values of football and their application in daily life. Former Real Sociedad player turned coach Aintzane Encinas will also be in attendance alongside the FUNDACIÓN LALIGA coaches to help lead the drills and continue her work in inspiring young girls to play football.

Sixteen (16) LALIGA teams are participating in the LALIGA x Bloomsbury project, and all will be represented on the Finals Day: Athletic Club, Atlético de Madrid, CA Osasuna, CD Tenerife, CD Leganés, Deportivo Alavés, Granada CF, Racing Club de Ferrol, RC Celta, RC Deportivo, RCD Espanyol, Real Racing Club Santander, SD Eibar, Sevilla FC, UD Las Palmas and Valencia CF.

Since officially launching in mid-2022, the impact of the partnership between LALIGA and Bloomsbury has been significant and has welcomed to-date more than 400 participating players. The collaboration sees LALIGA and its clubs, together with FUNDACIÓN LALIGA, continue to support the pioneering work of Bloomsbury Football, who currently engage with over 5,000 young people in London each week.

The number of LALIGA clubs participating has grown year-on-year, with a record number (16) taking part in the initiative this season. This has seen an additional playing site opened to meet the demand.

The new location at Harris Academy in St John’s Wood, London, is an expansion of the collaboration and ensures the partnership is continuing to increase the opportunities for young players to experience the power of football in London.

Underlining the partnership’s growth year-on-year, CVC, through the CVC Foundation, a network-wide philanthropy programme, has also stepped up to offer support for the programme starting in 2024/25.

Charlie Hyman, CEO of Bloomsbury said: “Women’s Football is gaining so much momentum globally, and with the 2025 Euros on the horizon, we want to ensure we’re providing young girls with the opportunity to access and play football. Our partnership with LALIGA helps us to create these opportunities, and the girls-only tournament is a spotlight event that enables us to showcase all the fantastic work we’re able to achieve with LALIGA.”

Keegan Pierce, Director of International Relations at LALIGA said: “Spain and England continue to lead the way in women’s football development, and we are committed to inspiring the next generation of young girls in these countries and beyond. Season 2024/2025 has been another fantastic year in our continued partnership with Bloomsbury Football and we’re looking forward to another fitting celebration of girls’ football at our second annual Finals Day.”