The CPC Inclusion Cup returns in 2026

After making its memorable debut, last spring, the CPC Inclusion Cup is set to return in 2026 - bigger, better, and with a wider remit, reaching across the north of England to enthuse and empower SEND learners through the power of football.

This year’s event will build upon the success of last year’s partnership with the Manchester United Foundation and will see an expanded competition for the north west and north east of England, before the top teams head to St. George’s Park, home of England’s national teams, for the eventual tournament finals. A confirmed date for the 2026 finals day is set to follow shortly.

The winners at St. George's Park will become the overall CPC Inclusion Cup champions for 2026 and shall be invited to attend the last match of the Premier League season at Old Trafford (pitting Manchester United against Nottingham Forest) as a prize.

Please note, this is a free event made possible by CPC Giving Back funding, as our not-for-profit charity continues to reinvest in the education sector. The Inclusion Cup serves to support SEND college students by granting them access to unforgettable opportunities, facilitating participation on a level playing field and fuelling social interaction with peers from their area/region.

The north east and north west stages will be played at The Cliff on Monday 2nd March and Friday 13th March, respectively.

As with last year, all students involved in our Inclusion Cup days in Salford will be treated to a tour of the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford, where they will also participate in the Manchester United Foundation's inspirational, in-house Skills Lab project.

If your college would like to get involved in the upcoming 2026 CPC Inclusion Cup tournament, then please contact our Head of Communications and Engagement, Rana Holland, in the first instance, to register your college's place as soon as possible...

SEND Female Football Festival

With a massive summer of soccer on the horizon in 2026, CPC, in partnership with the Manchester United Foundation, is laying the groundwork for an exciting festival of football for female SEND students, which will complement our existing Inclusion Cup.

In the first half of 2026, a one-day, all-female football festival will take place at United’s legendary training ground, The Cliff in Salford, giving the students a chance to play at the same venue graced by the famous 'Class of ‘92' and treble-winning heroes.

Expanding on the impact made by 2025's inaugural Inclusion Cup, this one-day festival will include activities such as 3 versus 3 matches and reaction games, as well as an inflatable target, a referees’ workshop and VR headset opportunity, allowing around 150 students to enjoy a range of football-focused fun.

As with the main CPC Inclusion Cup events and finals day, our SEND Female Football Festival has been made possible by this funding and CPC’s status as a not-for-profit charity helps it continue to reinvest in the UK education sector via such initiatives.

If you would like to find out more, or register interest in attending this special event at The Cliff, please contact Rana Holland.

For coverage of last year’s CPC Inclusion Cup and the magic and memories made, read our report and watch our video. ⚽