Walsall FC helps launch one of country’s biggest kid's football competitions

One of the country’s biggest football competitions for children is underway - having kicked off officially at Walsall FC.

The Utilita Kids and Girls Cup sees more than 20,000 children compete from around the country with both finals happening at Wembley.

We spoke to former Lioness Toni Duggan at the launch - she tells us how much the perception of women's football has changed since she was young.

"I think it's great. Obviously they have a kids tournament but they also have a girls tournament as well and that's what's great about it.

"I never had those opportunities when I was younger. What an opportunity to play at Wembley - not a lot of players get the opportunity to play there."

Toni tells us how much the perception of women's football has changed since she was young.

"For me, now I've recently retired, to stand here and see gangs of girls playing football and it's actually a cool thing to do.

"I was bullied for playing football when I was younger. Now it's the 'in' thing, it just shows how far the game's come."

Walsall FC player Danny Johnson was also at the competition launch.

He played in the same cup 20 years ago in 2004 and he tells us what it's like to be back.

"It's strange, it brings it all back.

"At that time we didn't have a clue how far we could get, I don't think we even knew where the final was.

"But coming back today, seeing all the young kids starting on that journey - it's a fantastic experience for them," he says.

"Good luck, and hopefully the winners are from this area!"

Also there to support the kids was former Birmingham City forward Clinton Morrison.

Like Toni, he says he's pleased to see young people have the chance to do things he never did.

"The opportunity to go and play at Wembley is brilliant - some of the best players in the world have never played there.

"Growing up, I didn't have opportunities like this so these kids are really fortunate."

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