As the 2025-26 season got underway, our teams looked the part in their new O'Neills kits, which include the home shirt THEY chose.

Wolves under-11s boys (pictured above) enjoyed their league opener against a strong Shawside outfit. Coach Lee said: "Wolves looked the part in their new kits. We had four new players integrating into the squad and it was our first proper game at this level.

"We were super proud of the lads, with all of them receiving equal playing time and putting in fantastic performances, especially our new players. We got some good feedback after the game from one of our new parents who said 'we have definitely made the right decision joining this club', which was fantastic to hear. We go again next week."

Our Raptors under-13s boys enjoyed a 4-1 friendly win over Boothstown at a newly-spruced up Sparks Field pitch.

Coach Paul said: "It was great to see the lads in the new kit and the new signings integrating well into the team. We had some wonderful link up play and put in a dominant display in the middle of the pitch, showing the training is paying off.

"We scored four fantastic goals; a header, a solo run with a smooth finish, a one-on-one and a deserved pinpoint finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Three of which came from players making their debuts.

"We could have had three or four more, if not for some great goalkeeping from the opposition. It was a really positive display and we can't wait to get started in the league next week."

Diamonds under-12s girls started their campaign with a 3-0 win at St Mary's Park against Aspull, thanks to goals from Violette (2) and Essi. 

Coach Mark said: "I think we were a little slow out of the blocks and didn’t take the intensity of Wednesday’s training into the first half of the match and, while in control and dominating possession, we only went into the break with the solitary goal. I thought we were snatching at our shots a little and if we’d played the ball in behind I think it would’ve led to more goals.

"The girls came out for the second half a lot more focused and it wasn’t long before we doubled the lead with a shot coming back off the crossbar followed in and slotted home.

"The third was without doubt my favourite as it was trademark Diamonds. The ball was at the halfway line, then two quick passes and it was shifted out wide right, before a perfect cross fizzed across the box and was on a plate to be finished cooly.

"While I don’t think we were at our very best, we still played really well in patches and to walk away with the win and a clean sheet in our first competitive match is a great way to start the season."

Parents' player of the game was Erin, Craig's player of the game was Layla, Kris’s was Essi and Mark's was Mia.

 Also at SMP Hurricanes girls under-nines entertained Boothstown Bees, over on the sevens pitch, with goals coming from Alma and Violet (4).

Coach Justin said: "The Hurricanes made a lightning start, pressing high and moving the ball quickly to take an early lead. But after that strong opening, Boothstown grew into the game and began to dominate. They broke quickly on the counter in the first half, with the bigger pitch proving difficult to cover.

"At half time the girls listened carefully to the instructions and came out with new energy. With sharper passing, relentless pressing and great teamwork, they fought their way back into the match. The girls pushed hard right to the final whistle.

"It was a game of two halves, but the second half showed the resilience, quality and spirit that will serve the team brilliantly this season. The girls will need to adjust to the bigger pitch and fitness. But the fight from last season has clearly carried on, which was great to see."

Phantoms under-16s boys were unlucky in their 2-4 defeat against Littlebrorough Stripes.  

Coach Marc said:  "It was not a great start to the season, as we went down 1-0 within three minutes due to a questionable penalty decision. We didn’t really recover and the lads' heads dropped meaning they didn’t get into the game for 20 mins or so.

"We were 2-1 down at half time, but played much better in the second half and looked the better team, despite still managing to lose. Our goals were scored by Elliot and Isaac and player of the game was Finn. 

"It was hopefully just a blip and we will get a better results as the season goes on. It was great to have some subs to start off the season, after seven new players joined us over the summer."

There were a lot of positive signs for our Jaguars under-10s boys in their opener against Fundamentals FC.

Coach Tim said: "We conceded a long range effort but dominated the rest of the first half, deservedly getting a goal through Riley.

"The Jaguars then began the second half on top. We hit the bar and in the ensuing scramble couldn't quite force the ball over the line. Then, the opposition had a carbon copy attempt at our end that bobbled in via deflections, which summed things up.

"At that point, the Jaguars lack of match practice began to show, the pitch got bigger, the spaces wider, and we weren't quite able to recover. It was great to be back into it though, the match will sharpen the boys up."

Phoenix under-11s girls were Top o' th' lane during their visit to the quaintly-named home of Bridge JFC.

Hat-trick hero Adalind bagged her second triple in succession as she ran the hosts ragged, while twinkle-toed Lois scored from a tight angle after a great corner routine with our resident Duracell bunny Non-Stop Noe.

But the pick of the goals came from Lola, drilling a superb free-kick into the top corner from distance, which put the cherry on top of another excellent midfield masterclass.

Despite missing two players due to other commitments meaning only one sub, the girls' energy levels never dropped and they were excellent all over the park. Player of the game went to Brooke, who capped her birthday celebrations with a tough tackling display in only her second ever formal football match.

Fellow defenders Mia and Anabell battled for everything and cleared their lines with aplomb, while keeper Isabella pulled off her usual spate of ridiculous saves.

Wide midfielders Iris and April never stopped running and created plenty of chances in a game that could have ended 10-10, had both teams converted their opportunities.

Buoyed by the latest signing to the squad - a subs bench - the girls put in one of their best ever performances against a very good home side, passing the ball eloquently and creating constant waves of attack, while pressing superbly from the back.   

It was one of those lovely occasions when the coaches can sit back (on said subs bench) and smile proudly as their charges do everyone proud.

Coach Brendan said: "The girls played some fabulous football against a very good team. That they did that with only one substitute is testament to their commitment and determination. The benefit of the fitness work they have been doing with Drillmaster Faz in training was clear to see as they battled to the end. We were very proud coaches."

Thanks to Brooke's mum Donna, once again, for the excellent pictures: