Cure Leukaemia to launch first ever female six-a-side tournament

National blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia have announced that they will be launching the country's first female-only corporate football tournament at the home of English football in 2023.

Following the huge success of the Copa Del CL tournament over the past few years, which has raised over £100,000 in the past five years coupled with the Lionesses incredible European Championships victory this summer, the first women's only tournament of its kind will be held at St George's Park, Staffordshire on Friday 31st March 2023.

Hosted on the day by BBC Sport, BT Sport and Wimbledon presenter Kenzie Benali, each team will be coupled with a female football legend on the day as they look to lift the first ever Female Copa Del Cure Leukaemia trophy.

Players can take advantage of the opportunity to live a day like the Lionesses, from getting changed in the official England changing rooms to playing in matches on the FIFA-approved 3G pitches.

This year 's Copa Del CL event saw six female footballers take to the pitch alongside former England international, and now Sky Sports pundit, Sue Smith.

She said: “The girls winning the Euros in the summer has inspired so many people - not just girls, but the boys as well! To have an all women's tournament off the back of today's success is amazing! We all love a bit of competition and we know the benefits of what football can bring.

“There have been so many people affected by cancer and that is what football does best - they come together.

“Everybody wants to help and whether that is entering one of Cure Leukaemia's fabulous football tournaments or supporting financially, you can see the great work that the charity are doing."

Cure Leukaemia chief executive James McLaughlin said: “This year's event has seen our biggest field of teams for our Copa Del Cure Leukaemia (with our highest number of female players) so we are delighted to be able to launch our first Copa Del Cure Leukaemia football tournament designed specifically for female footballers in 2023."

All the proceeds from the tournament are donated to Cure Leukaemia, and the ongoing battle to eradicate all forms of blood cancer, a disease which has affected many players and their families within football in recent years.

Teams are available from £2,500 per squad of eight players with all teams paired with their own ex-professional on the day.

For further information and to book a team, head over to https://copadelcl.co.uk/