GBWR brings junior athletes together for the first national championship on 7 February 2026
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) is excited to announce the inaugural Wooden Spoon Junior National Championship, supported by Penguin International RFC, taking place on Saturday 7 February 2026 in Nottingham (Nottinghamshire Joint Fire and Rescue Service/ Police Headquarters, Sherwood Lodge, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8PP).
The event marks the first national competitive gathering of junior athletes since the launch of the groundbreaking Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies—a programme designed to transform the landscape of junior wheelchair rugby across the UK.
The Championship will bring together players from all four regions—North, Midlands, London & South, and Wales—for a full day of competition, development, and celebration.
Strengthening the Junior Pathway
Launched in partnership with Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, the Junior Regional Academies provide a structured, inclusive pathway for young people entering wheelchair rugby. The academies offer increased training opportunities, improved competitive access, and a clearer route into GBWR’s performance pathway, welcoming juniors regardless of their club background.
The upcoming Championship represents the first major milestone for this new system, allowing juniors from across the country to experience a national‑level event tailored specifically to their age and development stage.
GBWR CEO Jason Brisbane emphasised the significance of the event:
“The Wooden Spoon Junior National Championship represents everything we stand for as a governing body—opportunity, inclusion, and belief in the potential of every young athlete. We launched the Junior Regional Academies to build a pathway that truly supports the future of our sport, and seeing these juniors come together on a national stage is a huge moment for GBWR. I couldn’t be prouder of the players, families, coaches, and partners who made this possible. This is the beginning of something genuinely game‑changing for wheelchair rugby in Great Britain.”
What to Expect on the Day
The Championship is built around a junior‑friendly schedule, running from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Competition Format
- Group A (younger athletes): Best‑of‑three series
- Group B (older athletes): Round‑robin followed by 1st–4th playoffs
- Awards:
- Trophies funded through Police Disability UK
- Medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place (no participation medals – all earned through placement)
A lunchtime Police Cadets taster session will also take place, supporting the venue partnership and adding a community engagement element to the day.
Meet the Teams
Each academy has chosen its own team name and identity, designed collaboratively by players, parents and coaches to reflect the spirit, personality and pride of their region.
Here are the four teams representing the future of our sport:
Northern Region — The Lightning
Fast, fearless and full of energy, The Lightning represent everything the Northern Junior Regional Academy is known for. Training at Gateshead Leisure Centre under coaches Adam Robson and Aaron Kilpatrick, the squad brings together juniors from across the region for high‑tempo sessions built on teamwork, confidence and ambition.
Their electrifying gold‑and‑black identity, chosen by the players, reflects the power and speed they bring to the court. As they head into the Junior National Championship, The Lightning are ready to strike and showcase the next generation of Northern talent.
Midlands Region — Midlands Jokers
The Midlands Jokers bring personality, creativity and competitive fire to the junior game. Coached by Jamie and Kascie Higgins in Corby, the Midlands Junior Regional Academy provides a structured, encouraging environment where juniors develop their skills and confidence through high‑quality coaching and consistent training opportunities.
Their jester‑themed identity represents the squad’s fearless style: bold, expressive and always ready to surprise opponents. As they prepare for the Junior National Championship, the Jokers stand as a brilliant example of how fun and ambition can thrive together.
London & South Region — Southern Serpents
The Southern Serpents embody the sharpness, flair and confidence of the London & South Junior Regional Academy. Led by coaches Sally Sycha and Omar Foster, the academy brings together a diverse and passionate group of young athletes training in Reading.
Their striking serpent emblem, created through a player‑driven process, symbolises agility, precision and a fearless competitive edge. The Serpents head into the Junior National Championship with a bold identity and a determination to showcase their regional pride.
Wales Region — Welsh Warriors
Proud, spirited and united, the Welsh Warriors represent the heart of the Wales Junior Regional Academy. Coached by Byron White and Dominic Evans in Pencoed, the academy is known for its welcoming, team‑centred culture and strong pathway support for developing athletes.
The Warriors’ iconic red‑dragon identity reflects the passion and grit that defines Welsh sport. As they take their place at the Junior National Championship, they bring with them a fierce competitive spirit and a deep sense of regional pride.
Supported by Trusted Partners
The Championship is made possible thanks to the support of several key organisations:
- Wooden Spoon – founding partner of the Junior Regional Academies and long‑standing champion for inclusive sport.
- Penguin International RFC – supporting the Championship and aiming to have representatives attend.
- Police UK Disability Sport (PUKDS) – Their generous provision of the venue, trophies and medals has helped elevate this year’s event and ensured an unforgettable experience for all involved.
- CP Sport – confirmed attendance.
Building Confidence, Identity and Pride
Each regional team will compete in its own kit, with unique colours and bespoke academy identities helping to build pride and belonging. Junior athletes will also receive:
- A GBWR Junior Regional Academies top
- Drawstring bag
- Water bottle
To protect all participants, athletes who cannot be filmed or photographed will be given wristbands—ensuring safe and compliant media capture throughout the day.
Free Entry – All Welcome
The event is free to attend, and families, clubs, partners, and supporters are encouraged to come along and cheer on the rising stars of wheelchair rugby.
GBWR’s media team will be capturing content throughout the day to highlight athlete stories, celebrate achievements, and showcase the strength of the Junior Regional Academy model.
A Milestone in GBWR’s Vision for the Future
The Wooden Spoon Junior National Championship is a powerful first step in a long‑term strategy to nurture junior talent, strengthen domestic wheelchair rugby, and create more pathways into the sport for young people.
The energy, commitment and growth already seen through the Junior Regional Academies signal an exciting future—one that starts with the young athletes taking to the court in Nottingham.
“A Game-Changing Moment for Our Sport” – Jason Brisbane
