Now we are closer to the business end of the Plate and Cup competitions, we are getting in touch to ask for volunteer clubs to host the three finals days, on the 22nd March 2026 for U16s, and the 26th April 2026 for U14s and U15s this season. Always a good opportunity for clubs to showcase their grounds whilst also making a bit of money that certainly helps in these economic times.
For information, until 2021 the North Midlands Youth Cup Finals had been held on one day at one venue, with U14s, U15s and U16s Cup & Plate finals all in one place.
In the last four years, however, we changed the format so that the U14s Finals were held at one venue, the U15s Finals at another, and the U16s Finals at another. The feedback from both the hosts and the attending clubs has been positive on almost all fronts (new clubs being able to host, neutral venues for the finals, central venues selected where possible, more kudos for the Plate Final with it being held on the 1st XV pitch, instead of outer pitches of the hosts), so we will run with this format again this year.
One thing to note before applying is that one of the main reasons for hosting the finals like this, is so that we guarantee neutral venues for the finals, as such we will be aiming to select venues where the host is not involved in those age grade finals. So if your U14s have made the finals, you will almost certainly not be selected to host either U14s Finals, but you would be very welcome to host the U15s or U16s.
We will also accept applications this season from clubs with artificial surfaces.
Clubs are invited to make expressions of interest by Tuesday 17th February 2026, via the attached Word document and return to this email address – northmidsyouthcups@outlook.com. You may apply to host one specific age grade, or any of the age grades.
Please make sure you have read the hosting criteria before sending in an application and please read the attached form in full before asking any questions.
Clubs will be notified by Tuesday 24th February 2026 as to whether they have been selected to host any age grade finals.
Thank you in advance to those clubs who apply.
Best Regards
Alex Smith
