Story added: 4th August 2026

Summer Cup 2026 welcomes 1,000 players to The Nest

The Nest played host to a festival of youth football this July as Norwich City Community Sports Foundation’s 2026 Summer Cup brought together 98 teams and an impressive 1,039 players for four brilliant days of competitive action. 

Since its launch in 2000, the Summer Cup has grown into a flagship event in the Foundation calendar – a place where young players test themselves and enjoy football in a welcoming, fast-paced environment.

Supported by Joma, the tournament once again lived up to its reputation as one of East Anglia’s standout grassroots events, welcoming FA‑affiliated boys’ and girls’ teams to high‑quality grass and 3G pitches for group fixtures, knockouts, trophies, and plenty of memories.

Adam Drury, Head of Football at the Foundation, said the scale and spirit of this year’s tournament showed why the Summer Cup continues to thrive: 

“The Summer Cup is one of my favourite parts of the year. You see players from so many different clubs come together, compete properly, and still walk away smiling – that’s what grassroots football should feel like. 

“What impressed me most was the standard across all age groups. Whether teams were chasing silverware or just enjoying the experience, the level of football and the attitude of the players was outstanding. 

“Events like this only work because of the coaches, parents, volunteers, and staff who give their time. The atmosphere around The Nest throughout the tournament was brilliant.” 

Girls Winners

• U9: Bure Valley
• U10: Sprowston Seagulls
• U11: Bungay Town
• U12: Mulbarton Belles
• U13: Kesgrave Kestrels

Boys Winners

• U7: Sprowston Tigers
• U8: Beds Elite Reds
• U9: Ely Lions Futsal
• U10: Norwich United
• U11: Hethersett Panthers
• U12: Sprowston Eagles