The very first edition of the London Ladies Cup turned out to be a remarkable success. Held from 15–17 August 2025 at the prestigious Epsom College, the tournament brought together nine top international U16 women’s football teams for three days of elite competition. Perfectly prepared grass pitches, outstanding facilities, and the beautiful Surrey surroundings made the event one to remember.
Tournament Setup and Participating Teams
The inaugural London Ladies Cup featured a competitive format with three groups of three teams. Each team played two group-stage matches (2×25 minutes), followed by ranking-based cross matches that determined the route to the finals. This system ensured that every single game was meaningful and contributed to the final standings.
The group stage draw was as follows:
Group A: Arsenal (England), Heming Fotball (Norway), B.93 (Denmark)
Group B: Chelsea FC (England), Norsk Spiller Utvikling (Norway), Ballerup-Skovlunde Fotball (Denmark)
Group C: Aston Villa (England), Jitex BK (Sweden), Brøndby IF (Denmark)
After the group matches, the top-ranked teams progressed to the semi-finals, while the other squads competed in classification matches for positions 5–9.
The Perfect Stage: Epsom College
The tournament took place at the stunning grounds of Epsom College, recently recognized as South East England’s Top Co-ed School for Sport and the UK’s Most Improved School by The Sunday Times. With immaculate Premier League-level pitches and modern facilities, the college provided an ideal stage for international youth football.
Most teams, apart from London giants Chelsea FC and Arsenal, stayed in the school’s boarding houses. This unique arrangement created a true tournament atmosphere, with players living and competing in the same inspirational environment.
Chelsea and Arsenal on Collision Course
From the very beginning, Chelsea FC emerged as the pre-tournament favorite. The Blues stormed through the group stage with dominant performances and continued their run in the semi-final, where they defeated Heming Fotball with an impressive 4–0 scoreline.
Arsenal had a more difficult path. A narrow 1–0 defeat to Denmark’s B.93 in the group stage put them under early pressure, but the Gunners regrouped and advanced to the semi-finals. There, they faced a spirited Aston Villa side, competing with one of the youngest squads in the tournament. Arsenal eventually secured a 1–0 victory, thanks to a spectacular late strike from distance.
This set up a much-anticipated all-London final between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC.
The Grand Final: Chelsea Crowned Champions
The final lived up to expectations. Arsenal held strong during the opening minutes, frustrating Chelsea’s attack. But once the Blues found their rhythm, they gradually took control of the game.
A crucial goal before halftime put Chelsea in front, and after the break they doubled their lead. Arsenal fought bravely, but Chelsea’s quality and depth proved too much. The final whistle confirmed a 2–0 victory for Chelsea FC, making them the first-ever champions of the London Ladies Cup.
Final Standings
While Chelsea FC lifted the trophy, the entire competition showcased the talent and promise of young female players across Europe. The final rankings were:
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Chelsea FC
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Arsenal FC
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Aston Villa FC
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Heming IF
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Brøndby IF
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Jitex BK
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Ballerup-Skovlunde Fotball
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B.93
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Norsk Spiller Utvikling
Impact and Looking Ahead
The success of the first London Ladies Cup went far beyond the matches themselves. It combined top-level youth football, first-class facilities, and an inspiring international setting. Players, coaches, and supporters praised the event’s organization, the warm atmosphere, and the chance to compete at such a high standard.
The tournament has laid a solid foundation for the future. Plans are already underway for the London Ladies Cup 2026, which will once again be hosted at Epsom College from 15–17 August 2026. Next year’s edition will expand to 12 international teams, promising even more excitement, competition, and development opportunities for young female footballers.
Photo gallery London ladies cup
More than 5,000 photos were taken throughout the tournament, capturing exciting action on the pitch as well as memorable moments behind the scenes. You can view and download all the images here.
Conclusion
The inaugural London Ladies Cup proved to be an unforgettable start to what is set to become one of Europe’s most prestigious youth tournaments in women’s football. Chelsea FC U16 rightfully took home the trophy, but every participating team contributed to the success of this historic first edition.
With its perfect mix of elite football, outstanding facilities, and international participation, the London Ladies Cup is here to stay and will only grow stronger in the years to come.
The second edition of the London Ladies Cup will take place from 14 to 16 August 2026. Teams can already explore the details and register their interest through the official event page here
