Summit Grappling Academy achieved remarkable success at the 2025 British Open Championships held at Warwick University in Coventry. The team, which comprised 24 competitors, returned home with an impressive total of 23 medals, including eight British titles. This achievement continues a stellar year for the Douglas-based martial arts club, following their triumphs at the IBJJF Junior European Championships and the IBJJF Rome Open.

The young athletes showcased their skills, with Ismael Khalil, at just six years old, dominating his division to become the youngest British champion in the island’s history. His teammate, Esther Patterson, also made her debut at the age of five, securing a silver medal after a determined performance.

In a display of skill and strategy, Valeri Topulev secured silver with a well-executed armbar submission. In the final match of his division, Theodore Sloane faced off against his training partner, ultimately winning gold and the British title. Other notable performances came from Lucas Hanlon, who claimed silver by a narrow margin, and debutante Koa Hamman, who achieved a swift submission victory to take home another silver medal.

The junior team collectively earned third place in the overall rankings, a notable accomplishment considering Summit Grappling Academy is a single club without affiliations to larger networks. This underlines the hard work and dedication of both competitors and coaches.

Adult Competitors Shine

As the competition progressed into the adult divisions, the momentum continued. Marc Purcell, competing in his third tournament, dominated his category with submission finishes, earning him gold and the sixth British title for the team. Purcell also entered the absolute (open weight division), where he finished in third place, showcasing his endurance and skill across multiple matches.

Sorrelle Williams had a standout performance in the absolute division, executing a decisive takedown followed by a submission to claim gold, marking the team’s seventh British title of the day. Rachel Kermeen also made her mark, winning her division with dynamic submissions and securing Summit’s eighth title.

The competitors had undergone a rigorous 12-week training camp in preparation for the championships, which included strength and conditioning programs, nutritional guidance, and focused training sessions. Coaches played a vital role in the athletes’ success, providing individual coaching and support throughout the competition.

Summit Grappling Academy expressed gratitude to Hartford Homes for their ongoing support and sponsorship, which has significantly contributed to the club’s achievements this season. As the team reflects on their accomplishments, they are already looking forward to future competitions, eager to build on their success.

Luton Town’s young goalkeeper, Keeley, made a notable debut at Kenilworth Road during the recent match against Spurs. This EFL Cup encounter marked Keeley’s first official appearance for the club, and he showcased potential that highlights why Luton Town signed him.

In a closely contested match on October 25, 2023, Keeley faced a barrage of shots, demonstrating quick reflexes and composure under pressure. Although Luton Town ultimately fell to Spurs, the young stopper’s performance earned praise from the club’s management. The Hatters’ chief expressed confidence in Keeley’s abilities, indicating that his showing against a top-tier team like Spurs provides a glimpse into his future potential.

Keeley, who joined Luton Town earlier this season, had been training with the squad but had yet to see match action. His debut was highly anticipated among fans and team officials alike. The club’s determination to invest in young talent is evident, especially as they look to build a competitive squad in the EFL Championship.

Although the final score reflected a loss, the atmosphere at Kenilworth Road was electric, with fans eager to support their team. Keeley’s performance, marked by several crucial saves, served as a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing match.

The Hatters have emphasized their commitment to developing homegrown talent. Keeley’s debut could signal the beginning of a promising career at the club, especially if he continues to improve and gain experience. The management believes that giving younger players a chance is vital in fostering a resilient team.

As Luton Town prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the club will look to build on the positives from this match. Keeley’s performance might just be the spark needed to ignite their campaign as they strive for success in the championship.

Moving forward, fans will undoubtedly be watching Keeley closely, anticipating his next opportunities to shine in the Luton Town colours. The young goalkeeper’s journey has just begun, and if his debut is any indication, he may become a key figure for the Hatters in the seasons to come.

The boys’ section of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI showcased thrilling matches on March 15, 2024, with Antrim demonstrating their strength against Tottenham Hotspur. In a separate contest, Loughgall managed a late equaliser against Leeds United at the Coleraine Showgrounds, adding to the excitement of the evening.

Antrim faced Tottenham in what many anticipated would be a tightly contested match. The game unfolded with both teams displaying skill and determination. Antrim took control early, demonstrating their tactical prowess, which ultimately proved too much for the Premier League side. The match concluded with a score of 3-1 in favour of Antrim, marking a significant victory for the team.

In the other match, Loughgall found themselves in a challenging position against Leeds. After falling behind, the team showcased resilience and strategic adjustments. With just minutes remaining, Loughgall secured a dramatic equaliser, resulting in a 1-1 draw that highlighted their tenacity.

The atmosphere at the Coleraine Showgrounds was electric, with fans from both sides cheering passionately for their teams. The matches not only provided thrilling entertainment but also served as a platform for young talent to shine on a larger stage.

The Budget Energy SuperCupNI continues to attract attention, drawing teams from across the UK and Ireland, showcasing the depth of youth football. Events like these play a crucial role in developing young athletes, offering them invaluable experience in competitive settings.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on upcoming fixtures, with expectations high for more exciting performances from these promising teams. The showcase of young talent, coupled with high-stakes competition, makes the SuperCupNI a key event in the youth football calendar.

The Women’s Origin clash between Lancashire and Yorkshire is set to take place on August 9, 2024, at Sewell Group Craven Park, home of Hull Kingston Rovers. The match will feature nine players from the Wigan Warriors, highlighting the team’s significant representation in this prestigious event.

Squad Changes Ahead of the Match

Both teams have made late adjustments to their rosters as they prepare for the high-stakes competition. Wigan prop Jade Gregory-Haselden and Rachael Woosey of St Helens have been called up to the Lancashire squad, stepping in for Emily Baggaley and Zoe Harris, who withdrew due to injury. This last-minute change underscores the dynamic nature of team preparations leading up to the match.

Yorkshire has also made changes, bringing in Izzy Brennan from York Valkyrie. Brennan’s selection follows her impressive performance during the recent England Rugby League Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) trip to France, where she showcased her skills and potential. She replaces her teammate Jasmine Bell, who is unable to participate.

Star Players and Team Dynamics

The Lancashire squad boasts nine players from the Wigan Warriors, including Mia-Jayne Atherton, Grace Banks, Anna Davies, Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter, Molly Jones, Izzy Rowe, Georgia Wilson, and Jade Gregory-Haselden. Under the guidance of coach Denis Betts, the Warriors have already secured victories in both the Challenge Cup and the Nines trophy this year, bringing considerable momentum into the Origin match.

The match serves as a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their talents, as it may influence selections for the upcoming England squad, which is set to face Wales on August 16, 2024, in Neath. Coach Stuart Barrow is expected to finalize his squad following the Women’s Origin clash, adding further significance to this encounter.

The Women’s Origin match is part of an exciting double-header event, kicking off at 14:00 local time, following the second Men’s Academy Origin fixture of the season, which begins at 12:00. Fans can catch all the action live on the England Rugby League YouTube channel, making it accessible for supporters both near and far.

As anticipation builds for this competitive showdown, both teams are eager to demonstrate their skills and secure bragging rights in this storied rivalry. With talented players on both sides, the Women’s Origin promises to deliver an exciting display of rugby league prowess.