Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby welcomed junior athletes, families and supporters for an unforgettable day of connection, courage and community at the Wooden Spoon Junior National Championship, supported by Penguin International RFC.

Hosted with generous support from Police UK Disability Sport (PUKDS), who provided the venue, trophies and medals, the event created an inspiring, inclusive environment for every young athlete who took part.

This Championship also marked another key milestone for the groundbreaking Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies, designed to strengthen junior development and expand opportunities for young people entering wheelchair rugby.

But above all, the day showcased exactly what makes junior wheelchair rugby so powerful:
community, confidence, connection and joy.

---

A Player-Led Celebration of Growth and Belonging

Driven by GBWR’s shift toward player‑first storytelling, the Championship placed young athletes at the heart of every moment.

Across the courts, the atmosphere overflowed with excitement, pride and togetherness:

“I made five new friends today!”
— Junior player

“My team said I could score… and then I actually did!”
— Junior player

Parents spoke with emotion about what the day meant for their children:

“My child wheeled in nervous and wheeled out proud. That’s the win I’ll remember.”
— Parent

Coaches echoed that the real development goes far beyond the scoreboard:

“We teach rugby skills, but what they really learn is confidence and connection.”
— Coach

The Junior Academies were built to empower young people and this event proved just how transformative that empowerment can be.

---

A Day Filled With Community Moments

While fixtures took place throughout the day, the magic happened everywhere around them:

• juniors helping each other tighten straps and gloves
• players from different regions chatting like old friends
• volunteers guiding newcomers and celebrating every moment
• families forging new friendships in the stands
• older juniors proudly supporting younger teammates

“Everyone helped me… even kids from the other teams!”
— Junior player

These moments turned a tournament into a community.

---

A Powerful Finish at Centre Court

After the final match, players formed a line at centre court to clap and thank all the people supporting them, parents, volunteers, coaches and families and then they stayed laughing, sharing stories, comparing tyre marks and celebrating the friendships built throughout the day.

“My arms are tired, but I don’t want today to end!”
— Junior player

The perfect ending to a day defined not by results, but by gratitude, joy and togetherness.

---

A Huge Thank You to Our Supporters

This Championship simply would not have been possible without the organisations whose commitment strengthens junior wheelchair rugby across Great Britain:

Wooden Spoon – The Children’s Charity of Rugby

Founding partner of the Junior Regional Academies and long‑standing champions for inclusive sport, helping shape the future of junior wheelchair rugby.

Penguin International RFC

Lead supporters of the Championship and passionate advocates for youth development within rugby. [gbwr.org.uk]

Police UK Disability Sport CIC (PUKDS)

Their generous provision of the venue, trophies and medals elevated the experience for every junior athlete and family.

Thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, coach, parent and supporter.
You turned this Championship into a celebration of what matters most: our young people.

---

Looking Ahead

The Wooden Spoon Junior National Championship was more than an event; it was a celebration of what wheelchair rugby can be at its best: joyful, inclusive, player‑led and full of opportunity.

“I used to watch from the sidelines. Today, I got to be part of it.”
— Junior player

The future of wheelchair rugby is bright, shaped by the passion of its players, the belief of its families and the support of its partners.

Forward Together.