The opening weekend of the new league season started with a bang. We had 4 of our 5 newly launched teams in action on the first weekend and they were all amazing! The Under 7 Lions became our 3v3 pioneers, whilst the Under 8 Pumas, Under 9 Pumas & Under 12 Lions all came away with really positive results at the final whistle. All the weekend action is captured below

We would like to wish all our 32 junior teams the best of luck for the new season - last season was our biggest and best yet, and we are excited to see more of the same in 2026/27!

SATURDAY – GIRLS

The GNP Under 12 Panthers Girls opened their new league season with plenty of anticipation as they took on CCC White. The Panthers started brightly, with Lily testing the keeper with a couple of free kicks, and Elizabeth denied by another save. CCC were denied early by 2 excellent saves from Poppy as they began to find space behind the Panthers’ defence. The 2nd half proved more challenging as CCC introduced 5 completely fresh players, and their additional pace and fitness began to make a difference. The Panthers were increasingly stretched, with the visitors creating several clear opportunities and eventually the all important breakthrough. The Panthers continued to show great determination, whilst Freya made her debut and showed a lot of promise in her first ever game but CCC managed to get a couple more goals without reply. The Panthers never stopped battling and continued to create opportunities. Elizabeth struck the post, while Khloe and Roop both had efforts on target that were saved or placed just wide. It simply wasn’t to be, but there was plenty to be proud of. Player of the Match went to Elizabeth who was engaged, swift on her feet and brave in every battle. while Manager’s Player was awarded to Roop for her determination, bravery and excellent contributions.

Under 15 Panthers started of the season with a very tough test against Worcester City, a new team that has dropped down a league from a different district turned out to be a mismatch in level. Panthers had a very rusty and slow start, this was expected due to an almost non-existent pre-season. 2nd half was a huge improvement, the girls took on board instructions and offered a lot more energy, winning battles, closing down quicker, Orna making some great saves and playing some very good football along the way. The scoreline wasn't important today, the girls got some miles on the clock and cobwebs dusted off. Their attitude was incredible, no moaning, no pointing fingers and smiles on faces when they left the pitch. Lots to build on for the coming months, we take the positives and move on to next week.

SATURDAY – BOYS

Under 7 Lions hosted Rugby Borough in their first ever league game in the new 3v3 format. The boys worked hard and applied themselves to each mini-game they played but the opponents were physically superior and appeared to have more experience. Nevertheless, it was a good experience and learning curve for the boys. They will have more competitive fixtures to come and should look forward to those.

Under 8 Pumas were also on their league debut and showed fantastic spirit in a real ding-dong battle away at Firefighters. They dug deep from an early deficit and really came into the game strongly as things progressed. The boys should be immensely proud of themselves for tying things up in their first league match – well done!

Under 8 Lions

GNP Under 8 Tigers kicked off the new season at home against Rugby Borough Lions in a fast-paced opener. The Lions started on the front foot, finding space down the left flank to build an early lead. Undeterred, the Tigers dusted themselves off and maintained high energy throughout the opening period. Their persistence paid off just before the half-time whistle when David executed a wonderful set piece to pull one back and shift the momentum heading into the break. The second half turned into a closely fought battle, though Rugby Borough Lions proved clinical, converting their key chances to seal the match. POTM Lucas, recognised for his bravery on the ball and willingness to take risks to drive the team forward.

The Under 10 Jaguars travelled to Ambleside and quickly found their rhythm, putting in a brilliant physical and skilful performance from the first whistle. Theo got us off to a great start with a powerful finish, before Ambleside came back to make it a really competitive, end-to-end game. Freddie was back making some worldy saves, including getting his fingers to one that then hit the post and stayed out, although unfortunately the referee saw it as a goal! Emaad got us back level before half time, and the second half was just as evenly matched, with Ambleside awarded a penalty which thankfully went wide. The Jaguars kept pushing and Emaad popped up with his second after great work from Theo, the boys had to dig deep to keep the lead in the final minutes. Stan was our PoTM for his excellent tackles and strong defensive performance. The boys showed fantastic resilience and didn’t let the decisions that went against them affect them, staying together and battling right until the final whistle!

Under 11 Pumas vs Kineton Juniors. The Pumas took the first 10 minutes to find their feet, but once they settled, the football really started to flow. Ajeet opened the scoring with a brilliant finish inside the box from a corner, before following it up with a clinical strike to grab his second. The boys then started playing some great interlinking football, with sharp passing and movement into dangerous areas. Ife was on the end of it to score his first of the game. The second half saw the Pumas continue to press forward, and Ife grabbed his second before being brought down in the box minutes later. With confidence high, POTM Ife stepped up and calmly placed the penalty into the corner to complete his hat-trick! At the back, the defenders were outstanding, showing great positioning and making some decisive tackles to shut down any danger and protect our goal. There was also a fantastic debut goal for new signing Finan, with a great strike from the edge of the box! A really well-balanced team performance across the pitch, with everyone working hard and playing for each other.

GNP Under 11 Jaguars started their campaign with a hard-fought game against Leek Wootton. We started slowly and conceded first, but the lads responded well, with Zion finding the net before half-time to go into the break level. GNP came out with much more intensity in the second half and continued to press, although we fell behind again. The lads showed great character to turn it around, with Reggie and Marc both scoring to put the Jaguars ahead. Unfortunately, we conceded with the last kick of the game, which was a tough one to take, as the boys deserved more after their efforts and fightback. *Player of the Match was Marc*, who made his debut and topped it off with a goal and some great play throughout — a fantastic start to his Jaguars career!

Winning Start for the Lions! GNP Under 12 Lions kicked off the new season with a fantastic 8–5 win. After a slow start, the lads really stepped things up in the second half, playing some excellent football and scoring some brilliant goals. A great first league performance from a brand-new team and plenty of positives to build on. Goals: Freddie, Josh, Jude & Jamie ; Player of the Match: Josh

SUNDAY – BOYS

GNP Under 18s were pegged back after deservedly leading 2-0 at half time in Youth Division A. Their hosts, Coventrians, hit back in the 2nd half and stole a dramatic 3-2 victory. A tough one to take but the team move forward!

Under 15 Lions hosted Coventry Alvis Juniors in their season opener and after another summer squad restructure. They got off to a flyer when PotM Rikhil pounced on a loose ball and deftly volleyed into the roof of the net after good work from winger Ashwin. Soon after, further attacking pressure culminated in the influential Michael feeding Sahib on the left who slotted in at the near post. Alvis hit back with a sweet cross and volley to leave things nicely poised at 2-1 at the break. In the first minute after half time, Kenneth ran onto a Savvy through ball and composed himself before smartly shaping the ball round the keeper for a cool finish, but the positivity evaporated instantly when Alvis scored from a clever lob. Some defensive reinforcements arrived through Filip & Theo off the bench and GNP controlled the bulk of the remaining 15 mins. 2 great short range chances were missed but no mistake was made on 61 mins when Savvy ran clear and then squared the ball for Ashwin to finish off the game at 4-2. A really positive performance and result, with all 4 new signings settling well and contributing strongly to the victory and several established squad members raising their game several levels from last season!

Under 15 Pumas went down to defeat at Christ The King Rovers 7-3 despite getting off to a flying start. The boys pre season has been short, so some catching up to do over the coming weeks to get back to a competitive level.

GNP Jaguars Under 13s 8–4 Bedworth Greenbacks. The Jaguars got their league campaign off to a flying start against a very physical Bedworth side with a big home win after moving up a tier this season. It wasn’t the perfect start, After taking the lead through an own goal following good pressure, we conceded an equaliser, but that was the wake-up call we needed. Armaan made an instant impact, winning the ball and putting Ahmed through to make it 2-1, before getting on the scoresheet himself to send us into half-time 3-1 up. The second half was a different story. The Jaguars raised the tempo and took control. Arjun showed great composure to round the keeper for 4-1, before Ahmed put Victor through to make it five. Then came a great piece of link-up play, with Arjun and Armaan setting each other up for their second goals. Harrai added another from a corner as the Jaguars moved into an 8-2 lead. Bedworth added two late consolation goals, but the boys had done more than enough to secure a well deserved 3 points. Player of the match went to Armaan who had a brilliant impact off the bench with 2 goals, 2 assists and relentless energy to help up the tempo when needed.

GNP Under 13 Lions 3–3 Nuneaton Town. A really strong team performance from the Lions in a competitive and evenly matched game against a tough Nuneaton Town side. GNP played some excellent football and showed great teamwork and determination throughout, taking a 1–0 lead into half-time through Athrv after a superb team move. Athrv added a second after the break before Nuneaton fought back to 2–2, but the Lions showed real character to respond, with Athrv completing a brilliant hat-trick to restore the lead. Nuneaton equalised with just a minute remaining, but the boys can be very proud of their performance, work rate and the way they battled for each other until the final whistle.

Under 13 Pumas encountered a tough end-to-end game against Coventry Sphinx White. Pumas started slowly, conceding within the first 10 minutes, but responded strongly and never gave up. Two goals from Lekan before half-time put Pumas 2–1 ahead. The second half continued at a high intensity, with both teams creating chances. Unfortunately, Pumas conceded twice late on, including a penalty three minutes before full time, ending the game 2–4. Unfortunately on the day, the scoreline didn’t reflect the performance. GNP created numerous chances but couldn’t convert them. Plenty of positives to build on for the next game.

The Under 13 Tigers faced Kenilworth Town Titans in their last pre-season friendly. With two Tigers unwell, a borrowed Panther took them to a team of 9. Knowing they'd have to give it their all with no subs, the Tigers roared to life with summer signing Moyo banging in a goal in the first minute. Tigers settled quickly, playing out from the back passing the ball beautifully. Thanks to two goals from Jude, one from Malachi, one from Eul and another from Moyo they finished the first half 6-1 up. Tiredness started to creep in in the second and the Titans struck quickly. Great defensive efforts from Amar, Zain, Jacob and Orna kept away most of the Titans’ long ball attempts, forcing shots from distance, with the smallest Titan scoring a top bins screamer. Their long ball tactics meant plenty of balls to the Tigers keepers' feet, Matty taunted the Titans striker, drawing them in several times and skilling him to pass out wide. An unfortunate penalty gave the opposition a boost in spirits, and fresh legs led them to keep pushing. Jude and Moyo bagged themselves hat tricks, bringing the final score to 9-4. A fantastic team performance from some very hard working Tigers.

GNP Sports Juniors Under 10 Lions played away against Mount Nod. The Lions opened their season with a thrilling victory. displaying incredible composure under pressure. They built a commanding lead with Neal and Anwar taking opportunities to score. Mount Nod refused to go down quietly and pushed hard with a missed golden opportunity from the penalty spot. A massive shout-out to Sam and Jeevan, who anchored the defence with relentless tackling and Balraj was superb in goal. Mount Nod did manage to break through and score a dramatic late goal. It was a fantastic, hard-fought performance from the GNP Lions, showing incredible teamwork, sharp attacking play, and superb defensive grit from start to finish.

The Under 10 Pumas kicked off the new season with a home match against Mount Nod Lightning. We got off to a great start and had a lot of possession, but our hard work was undone firstly by a long-range effort, and then an unmarked player scoring a tap-in at the back post. After the break, we conceded another before Jodhbeer delivered a through-ball to Hugh who fired in a great goal. We could have had a second but, just before we put the ball in the back of the net, the referee blew the whistle and brought the play back for an earlier foul. Unfortunately, this led to a loss of concentration and we went on to concede three more goals. The Pumas showed a lot of promise and the scoreline certainly doesn’t reflect the efforts that the boys put in.

Under 9 Pumas got off to a flying start in their first league game of the season against Hillmorton Hawks, in what was all of the boys’ first experience of league football. They dominated possession and showed great attacking intent from the first whistle. They continued to work hard throughout the match, with multiple players getting on the scoresheet and contributing to a strong team performance. Player of the Match was Kritin, who put in an outstanding performance with some powerful long-range strikes. Angad deserves a special mention too, after scoring from a goal kick. A fantastic team effort all round!

The new look GNP Under 9 Tigers travelled to Rugby Borough Panthers for their first game of the season. One training session in, three new players and trying a new formation the boys gave 100% in a closely matched game that unfortunately the scoreline didnt reflect. Three own goals and 10+ shots that hit the post allowed the talented panthers to slowly pull away to take a comfortable victory. The boys kept a positive attitude throughout and we all know they just need time to gel before the results start to reward their efforts. Goals for Rhys and Taran and some fantastic play from everyone.