Under-18s champions Khan FC, pictured with Richard Spencer from Westminster Active (far left), Cash Cup organiser Charlie Browne and, far right, Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning gymnast Steve Frew, who presented trophies

MEET the money-makers who turned their goals into cold, hard cash.

Scores of enthusiastic young footballers from across the capital took part in the third edition of the London Estates Cash Cup this summer.

And when the final whistle blew at the Academy Sport pitches in Westminster on Sunday, four triumphant sides were left standing after transferring their teamwork into £1,000 each in prize money to share among their squad.

Katanga FC won the Under-12s trophy, White Flags FC were victorious in the Under-14s event, and Downham Orange lifted the Under-16s title.

But the biggest winners were Khan FC, and not only because they romped to a 10-1 victory in their Under-18s final. The silverware success means the Highgate-based squad have now netted winners’ medals and moolah at all three London Estates Cash Cup tournaments.

Katanga FC celebrate winning the Under-12s Estates Cash Cup

It’s a feat that didn’t look possible 12 months ago when they aged out of the competition as Under-16s champions.

“It’s amazing, we’re blessed,” beamed player/manager Sarib Khan. “We thought we weren’t going to have the chance to win it again, but then the organisers introduced an Under-18s age group, and then we knew we could win it and complete the hat-trick.”

Khan FC captain Jake Caplan put in a series of eye-catching displays that would later see the teenager voted player of the tournament, earning him an extra £100.

Urging a new crop of young players to join the free-to-enter competition when future dates are announced, the fleet-footed 17-year-old said: “It’s a great tournament. It’s all about teamwork, having fluidity and not

being selfish.
“Plus, you can win lots of money – that’s like 400 packs of Haribos!”

Downham Orange captured the Under-16s title at the Academy Sport pitches in Westminster

The popular four-a-side challenge, organised by 2 Touch Rulz (2TR) Football, demands “teamwork and mental maturity” with players being restricted to just two touches. There is no goalkeeper, and parts of each goal are protected by panels – so hotshots have to display pinpoint accuracy when trying to find the back of the net.

One of the main goals behind the idea is to help youngsters to understand and appreciate the importance of not only supporting their teammates, but also in letting their teammates support them. To be part of a community.

Organiser and 2TR founder Charlie Browne said he was “thrilled by how the London Estates Cash Cup is evolving”.

White Flags FC were victorious in the Under-14s age group, scooping the £1,000 prize money

He added: “Last summer, the teams from north London dominated the finals, winning three of the four age groups.

“This time around we’ve also had winning squads from south and west London, so you can see how the tournament is growing and how more and more young people are becoming familiar with the rules.”
Praising the 16-strong squad that helped him run finals day, Charlie, who lives in Holloway, said: “They were all fantastic. They embraced the ethos of the tournament as much as the young players on the pitch did.

“They all understood the importance of being part of a team, and working together to help produce what was an amazing day.

“The Estates Cash Cup is more than just a football tournament, it’s a community, a family, all coming together to support one another and have a good time. It was really incredible.”

Aston award: Legendary coach’s ‘lasting legacy’

Wendy Markland, Leon Maci of Grenfell FC, and Errol McKenzie

A FREE football tournament aimed at giving kids off estates the chance to enjoy sports and learn vital life lessons would have been something Aston Stewart would “really have loved.”

Players and staff took time to remember the legendary coach on Sunday afternoon during the grand finals of the 2025 London Estates Cash Cup.

Known for his trademark beaming smile and love of sport, especially athletics, the former Highgate Harrier worked at West Hampstead Primary School for more than 20 years. He was also a youth and community sports worker at Sidings Community Centre, also in West Hampstead.

Mr Stewart died suddenly in November 2022 aged 58. He wasn’t directly connected to 2TR Football, but their cup competition represents the kind of showcase that Mr Stewart would have appreciated.

That’s why 2TR Football committee member Errol McKenzie introduced the Aston Stewart Award – an accolade to be presented to that special player who goes above and beyond, and shows great sportsmanship and spirit on and off the pitch.

In its second year, the trophy was awarded to star player Leon Maci from Grenfell FC by Mr Stewart’s sister, Wendy Markland.

Aston Stewart

She said: “Aston would really have valued this tournament because he really cared about the community, and he loved children. He never had any children of his own because he was too busy being an older brother to so many kids. He would always encourage people to take part in sport.”

One of the reasons Maci was given the award was because of his perseverance in trying to win the London Estates Cash Cup – a feat that still escapes him.

Upon collecting the trophy, and £200 in prize money, the 13-year-old said: “It shows that, even if I don’t manage to win, as long as I’m trying.

“I’ve come back three times in a row now, and tried my hardest each time. I’ve been one of the best, if not the best, on my team each time, and still haven’t managed to win. But the fact I come back time after time is an example of how it should be.”

Explaining the importance behind the award and creating “a lasting legacy in Aston’s name”, Mr McKenzie said: “Aston was very community orientated, and the London Estates Cash Cup represents many of his values.

“The whole focus is on young people coming together; we don’t care what area they are from. It’s about their resilience for crossing boundaries and making a social impact, and being the best young people they can be.”