With a big double celebration on Sunday (Coventry City FC League Trophy Presentation & Coventry Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan procession) the vast majority of the action was on Saturday, and what a busy day it was! We saw an U13 boys league title celebration, the launch of a brand new GNP girls team, goals from the halfway line(!) and a clean sweep of victories for our four Under 10 boys teams!

SATURDAY – GIRLS

Saturday saw a team debut for our brand new Under 8 Panthers team in a friendly against an established team, SoccerRockz Fire Under 7. The squad was made up of Asees, Rhea, Poppy, Georgia, Jasmine, Hargun, Iris & Amiyah, and they all applied themselves brilliantly in a competitive and well fought match. The girls showed great discipline in the opening 2 quarters, defending with determination as a group and unlucky not to score after striking the woodwork twice. SoccerRockz edged themselves in front in the 2nd quarter, but the 3rd quarter belonged to GNP with a flurry of goals by Poppy & Iris, who played on either side of midfield in that quarter. Our visitors grabbed 2 goals of their own in an entertaining e2e period of play but GNP held a lead they were able to maintain til the end of the match after the teams exchanged a goal each in the final 10 minutes. Well done Panthers – clearly a team with loads of potential for the future!

Under 9 Panthers made the trip to Chelmsley for their final league fixture of the season, putting in a spirited and determined performance from the first whistle. They started on the front foot, creating a couple of early chances while the defence held firm under pressure. The team showed great cohesion throughout, with Mihar, Jaye, Siya and Jackie working tirelessly in attack, and Shreya, Lilly and Tanaya standing strong at the back. Despite creating numerous opportunities, the Panthers were unable to find the net and were edged out by the narrowest of margins. There was plenty to be proud of. The team has grown together impressively over the course of the season, and they now look ahead with excitement to the upcoming tournaments in the weeks to come.

After some strong recent performances, the Under 11 Panthers went into their fixture with Redditch Borough feeling confident. But, unusually for the girls, they couldn’t get into their rhythm at all throughout the game. This made it difficult for them to create much in the way of attacking opportunities and found themselves on the back foot for long periods of the game. What was pleasing to see in these difficult circumstances was that the girls showed great resilience and continued to battle throughout and kept the scoreline, especially in the second half, closer than it perhaps would have been with all the outfield players and the goalkeeper digging in, to the end. At the end of the game the Panthers were understandably disappointed, but still left in a positive mindset knowing that the performance today was uncharacteristic and if they played to their usual standard they would’ve been able to compete in this game. We go again next week. Coaches PotM went to Rhea and parents PotM went to Hope.

GNP Panthers Under 12s were away on Saturday at Stockton. Buoyed by their draw against top of the league Lutterworth last week, the team should have been travelling with confidence. However, it was a squad hit once more with only nine panthers being present without subs on a very hot morning. From the off, Stockton looked the team hungry for the points and after only five minutes they went in front. Panthers then seemed to wake up and a good ball from Avneet put Faith away on the left and she dribbled into the area and finished well with a low left foot shot. 1-1 and all to play for, then Stockton took over again, adding three more goals. Shortly before the break Suvreet pulled another back shooting home nicely from the right into the net. Stockton then added another before half time. Stockton 5-2 Panthers. Panthers came out with a little more fight but that was short-lived when five minutes into the 2nd period, Stockton added a sixth quickly followed by a seventh. Suvreet pulled another back when clean through on goal, finishing well past the keeper and Avneet added a fourth for GNP, shooting home from just outside the box into the corner of the net nicely. But back came Stockton who added there 8th and final goal. A disappointing and strange day for the Under 12 Panthers. Stockton 8-4 GNP

Under 14 Panthers were home up against CCC. The Panthers were straight into action pressing forward as they looked to score early. They kept creating chances but couldn’t quite score. Rose got fouled on the way halfway line. Up she stepped for what is a very strong contender for goal of the season, it was simply exceptional and the second she kicked it - it was destined to go in, which it duly did. CCC still in shock at conceding such a spectacular goal, were then hit again for a more conventional goal. Rose again involved, who slipped in Mankirat who made light work of scoring. Just before half time however, the Panthers got caught napping, conceding a minute before half time. Second half the Panthers knew that CCC would be attempting to score another quickly, but the Panthers snuffed out any attack with their defensive work. They dug deep for a thoroughly deserved 2-1 win.

SATURDAY – BOYS

The Under 7 Lions started with intent against SoccerRockz Triumph Hawks, and it didn't take long for Gian to find the back of the net, slotting home the opener to set the tone. The lead was soon doubled after a moment of individual brilliance; Lucas embarked on a superb solo run, weaving through the Hawks' defence before unselfishly teeing up Gian for his second of the morning. The pressure remained relentless. Lucas turned from provider to goalscorer, meeting a precision corner kick from Harvansh. Shortly after, Lucas was at it again, winning a free-kick on the edge of the area and dusting himself off to curl a beautiful strike into the net. Tommy led the line well in the first half, Aathi and Mikey showed relentless pressure. Aarav again was excellent in goal, always giving his team the confidence to push forward. Following a powerplay, the Hawks managed to grab a lifeline just before the halftime whistle. The Lions showed no signs of slowing down in the second period. Gian completed his hat-trick early in the half. Allowing Hawks to invoke a 2nd powerplay. Aarav played well, creating opportunities for his team. Mikey made a number of great saves, doing brilliant with his first appearance in goal. The Hawks refused to go quietly, scoring two quick-fire goals—the second coming from the penalty spot after a clumsy challenge in the box. Any hopes of a Hawks comeback were swiftly extinguished when Shivaay found space to fire home, shifting the momentum back to the hosts. From there, Gian bagged his fourth of the game with a clinical finish before capping off an individual solo run, netting his fifth goal of the match. POTM was awarded to Lucas for his tireless work and creativity.

Under 7 Tigers

Under 8 Lions

Under 8 Tigers

The Under 9 Jaguars welcomed Balsall & Berkswell Hornets to Finham for what turned out to be a brilliant, high‑quality game of football. Coming up against one of the best ball‑playing sides we’ve faced this season, the boys rose to the challenge from the first whistle. The game started with real intensity, both teams trading early chances. The Hornets put together some sharp set plays, but fearless Freddie kept us in it with a string of huge saves and superb reading of the game — a performance that earned him POTM. Despite our strong start, the Jaguars conceded just before half‑time. The second half began much like the first, with end‑to‑end football and some great chances for us, but the posts and the Hornets’ keeper kept us out. An awkward bounce then gifted the Hornets their second. The boys didn’t fold. They kept battling, kept pressing, and their effort paid off when Isaac scored after some brilliant pressure and link‑up play. Although the game felt evenly matched and was great to watch, the Hornets finished strongly in the box and added two more, ending in a 1–4 scoreline. Across the pitch the boys put in a real shift — Theo pressed relentlessly, Leo was a constant outlet out wide, Bobby kept finding those clever forward passes, and Anwar threaded some lovely balls through midfield. Add in Mithun’s intensity, Varun’s smart positioning, Stan’s interceptions, Emaad’s energy and skills, and Seva’s tough defending, and it was a performance full of effort and proper football from everyone. An amazing season from the Jaguars — promoted twice to tier 4. Each boy has come on leaps and bounds from last year, their understanding of the game is brilliant, and the football they’re producing has been superb to watch.

Under 10 Pumas played away at Upper Lighthorne. The Pumas started on the front foot, showing some lovely passing play to create chances early on. They had plenty of opportunities but struggled to find the back of the net. Despite dominating possession and having most of the shots, it was the opposition who struck first to put the Pumas behind. Just before half-time, the home side were awarded a penalty, but Eric produced a fantastic and crucial save from the spot to keep the score down. In the second half, the Pumas raised the tempo. A great assist from Sunny put Zak through on goal, and he blasted the ball into the net. Straight from the restart, the Pumas looked hungry for more. The ball was played into Ife, who controlled it with a scorpion-style touch to set himself before calmly finishing into the net — what a goal! The Pumas pushed for a third but ran out of time. Player of the Match went to Ajeet for his tireless work rate, constant pressing to cut off passing lanes, and his versatility. A fantastic way to finish the season — every one of the boys has worked incredibly hard and shown a never-give-up attitude in every match they’ve played.

Under 10 Lions played away against Kineton with high energy, great passing and teamwork. Fakhir delivered a great ball into the box from which Sahib opened the scoring. The Lions continued to hold possession and attacking the goal while Arjun and Manroop held a strong defensive line with Sehaj making easy work of any Kineton advance. Fakhir was again in action taking in a one on one, beating a defender and the keeper to double our lead. Celebrations were short lived as Kineton struck an unstoppable shot from outside the box scoring off the far post to get one back. The second half started with Kineton equalising after picking up a free ball in the box. The Lions held their nerve focusing on teamwork and passing to create numerous further chances. The boys took advance of the wings from which Veer and Nikhil played the ball forward. Veer especially stood out for his dedication and teamwork on the wing to earn POTM. The teams hard work paid off with Kswaery clinching the winner from a goal mouth scramble. Good result to end the season - well done Lions!

Under 10 Jaguars

After securing the league title last week, the Under 13 Tigers were able to relax for their final game of the season, securing a strong 8-3 victory over Kenilworth Wardens before some deserved post-match celebrations for the boys and their families. The result also ensured the team remained unbeaten in their league campaign with 15 wins and 1 draw. A phenomenal achievement in the top division of the Mid Warwickshire League!

SUNDAY – BOYS

Under 10 Tigers were away to Vision Spartans. The Tigers started the game brighter with some wonderful passing. They worked the ball wonderfully from Ollie in goal to the defenders bringing the midfielders and strikers into play. This passing style of play led to Rajan scoring however it was only the patience shown by the Tigers prior to this that got the goal. They started to play some great football and were unlucky not to convert several other opportunities. In the second half a defensive error allowed Vision Spartans to sneak a goal in which led to an exciting 15 minutes left to play with the score even. Ollie continued his great form and pulled off some monumental saves. The Tigers went through the gears determined to win. Arveer got some shots off and only some great saves by the opposition keeper kept the ball out. Sahib looked strong on the right wing and the constant battling allowed some space to be created and up he stepped for a well-earned winner of a goal! A brilliant game played in great spirits by both teams.

GNP Under 12 Jaguars were narrowly beaten 5–4 by Nuneaton Borough Whites in a high-scoring cup game that mirrored last weekend’s encounter. Despite controlling large portions of the match and producing some excellent attacking football, key lapses in concentration ultimately proved decisive. The Jaguars made a slow start and conceded an early soft goal, but their response was impressive. Arjun set up Ahmed, who drove forward and finished confidently to level the score. Building momentum, the team then took the lead when Robin showed great technique to head in from an Arjun corner. Although Nuneaton equalised soon after, the Jaguars continued to attack with purpose. Noah delivered a strong run down the left to assist Victor, who calmly finished to give his side a 3–2 half-time lead. After the break, the focus was on maintaining intensity and defensive discipline. Jaguars largely did this well, controlling possession and creating chances through midfield and wide areas. However, they were unable to capitalise on opportunities to extend their lead and take full control of the game. Jovan made a positive impact off the bench, adding strength and presence as the match became more physical. The decisive moment came late on, as a loss of focus allowed Nuneaton to score three quick goals in the final 10 minutes. To their credit, the Jaguars showed resilience. Arjun played another excellent through ball to Noah, who scored to make it 5–4, and the team pushed hard for an equaliser. Noah earned Player of the Match, while Arjun (three assists), Robin, Ahmed, and Victor all impressed.