Story added: 25th June 2026

Schools Leagues celebrate a standout season at The Nest

The Norwich City 2025/26 Primary School Football Leagues brought hundreds of young players together for another brilliant year of school football across Norfolk. Thirty‑five teams took part across the three leagues, with over 300 players involved and more than 450 goals scored at The Nest! 

Schools shared glowing feedback, with Reepham Primary stating: “The tournaments were really well organised and our pupils had the best time. The staff were excellent throughout, making everything easy for teachers. The surprise appearance from Norwich City players was a brilliant bonus.” 

Hillcrest Primary added: “The children loved the feeling of the tournament; the Foundation made it feel a big deal. The enthusiasm and kind nature of the coaches and staff was amazing. The way they interacted with the children was excellent and it’s something we’ll remember from the event.” 

 With strong engagement and positive feedback from schools, the Foundation has refined and expanded the programme for 2026/27 – find out more.

Match reports: 

The Norwich City Year 5/6 Mixed Schools League featured 17 teams, producing 198 goals across 120 games. The format included three matchdays consisting of three leagues, plus the qualification for the EFL Utilita Kids Cup. Woodlands Junior Academy were crowned Premier League winners, whilst Avenue Junior took the Championship title and Wymondham College Prep finished top of League One. 

The Girls United Year 5/6 Schools League continued to grow, with 13 teams playing 78 games and scoring 150 goals. Three matchdays gave every school the chance to play each other, with Firside Junior School lifting the trophy and going on to represent Norwich City at the Premier League Primary Stars Girls National Tournament – Regional Finals, also earning the Premier League Regional Fair Play Award.  

The Girls United Year 3/4 League saw Firside Junior winning the overall title. Across all leagues, 248 matches were played and the atmosphere was lifted even further by player visits. Sarah Quantrill, Olivia Cook and Eloise Hall joined the Girls United Year 5/6 league on matchday one, with Freya Symonds and Ellie Bishop attending matchday three.  

Sign up for 2026/27: 

The Girls United Year 5 and 6 Schools League will run across a longer window, with matchdays in September, November and January on the Lauren Hemp Community 3G Pitch at The Nest.  The overall winner will again progress to the Premier League Primary Stars Girls National Tournament – Regional Finals and will also receive a funded six‑week Girls United after‑school club. Every sign‑up will be entered into a draw for a funded lunchtime club. 

The Norwich City Year 5/6 Schools League returns with matchdays in October, November and January for squads of nine to play seven‑a‑side. The winners will represent the Foundation at the EFL Utilita Kids Cup Regional Finals and will receive a funded six‑week Norwich City Way intervention. All sign‑ups will be entered into a raffle for a Norwich City Way taster session.  

A brand‑new Canary 5’s Year 3/4 Schools League launches this year, offering three matchdays across November, February and April. Squads of 12 will play five‑a‑side, with a minimum of two players of each gender on the pitch at all times to keep matches fast, inclusive and full of touches. 

Schools can now book their place for the 2026/27 season, with limited spaces available through the Foundation’s schools competitions page.