Community | Pro Alliance Tournament held at Stadium MK
A one-of-its kind football tournament for young people in the UK living in care and those with care experiences took centre stage at Stadium MK during May half-term.
The Pro Alliance Sports National Championship Cup brought together more than 500 players representing 36 teams, with each team having the opportunity to play at Stadium MK.
Teams travelled from as far as Liverpool, Portsmouth, Newport and more to take part, with Peterborough winning the final of the tournament.
Stefan Bishop, Associate Director at Pro Alliance Sports created the concept of a tournament open exclusively to young people in care and those with care experiences alongside friend, Sam Neath, founder of Pro Alliance Sports.
An informal kick about between a handful of local players has now exploded into a nationally recognised tournament, and a first international friendly between England and Wales will be held in November.
On the event, Stadium MK Group CEO, Neil Hart said:
“All of us at Stadium MK were delighted to host this event for Pro Alliance Sports in partnership with the MK Dons Community Trust and the EFL.
“Here at MK Dons, community is the foundation of everything we do, so we were delighted to be able to hold this tournament for hundreds of young people who are either in care or who have recently left the care system.
“The tournament is embedded in such an important cause, and all of us at Stadium MK were more than happy to shine a light on it. Having met both Stefan and Sam, they are inspiring individuals, who are providing amazing opportunities for hundreds of young people in care."
Stefan Bishop added:
“It’s snowballed into an event which goes beyond even our wildest dreams.
“This was a pie in the sky idea between myself and Sam which has turned our vision to create inspiring moments for young people in care and those with care experiences into reality.
“By having full access to Stadium MK and the support of coaches and support staff who believe in their ability, participants were subconsciously thriving in life which is our ultimate goal.
“The excitement and enthusiasm shared on the day by everyone was exactly what we wanted to achieve. And personally, I’m incredibly proud to have shaped the tournament into what it is today after experiencing my own personal challenges through our care system.”
Founded in September 2025, Pro Alliance Sports is a not-for-profit organisation which uses sport to connect, empower and inspire young people in care and those with care experiences.
Its work has led to the creation of England’s first football team for those with experiences of care after 12 players were selected to represent the national squad ahead of a its first fixture in the autumn.
Sam Neath, founder and director of Pro Alliance Sports, said:
“The National Championship Cup is a huge success story.
“To reach a point where we are making arrangements for an international fixture having discussed the idea with Stefan while he was in care is a great achievement.
“We also thank the entire team at MK Dons Community Trust for making this year’s competition happen. The Trust were an enormous help in shaping this year’s event into what it was, and we thank them for their organisation and professionalism throughout.”
Paul Mitchell, CEO of MK Dons Community Trust, added:
“A secure childhood is something we believe everyone is guilty of taking for granted by those who are fortunate enough to have experienced it.
“Listening to the stories of participants at this year’s tournament was truly humbling.
“Every day, more than 100 children enter our care system, which creates challenges geographically, educationally and socially.
“Football holds the power to counteract vulnerability with strength, and we were overjoyed to see the reaction and response from participants on the day. Our congratulations go to Stefan and Sam for driving such a positive event.”
