National POP Lacrosse Championship returns with 2026 edition

Tomorrow (Thursday 25 June), 16 of the UK’s best POP Lacrosse-playing schools will come together as the 2026 National POP Lacrosse Championship Finals take place at Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Stoke-on-Trent.

Winners of regional competitions, that have taken place over the past few months, have been split into four Groups as part of Phase 1 of the Finals Day with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the Championship competition and the bottom two teams competing in the Plate competition later in the day in Phase 2.

Reigning champions Gawsworth Primary School, based in Cheshire, return looking to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive Championship title but they have stiff competition with teams from the Scotland, South, South West, North, and Cheshire regions standing in their way.

Gawsworth’s teacher and POP lacrosse coach, Rachel Fregapane, said:

“It is something that we are incredibly proud of as a school community. Anyone who drives past Gawsworth, or lives locally, will see the banners celebrating our three Championship wins displayed on our railings—it’s something we want to share and celebrate with everyone.

“When you enter the school, both the children and staff are very quick to talk about this amazing accomplishment with anyone who will listen. There is a real sense of pride across the whole school. We know it is no easy feat to compete against the calibre of teams in this Championship, so to win it three years in a row is something we never dreamed would happen. It is a truly special achievement for such a small school.”

Games at the 2026 National POP Lacrosse Championship Finals start from 11am and for more information about the competition, including full match schedule and final standings, click HERE.

Opening Games

Group A

Bowden Prep School v Sparsholt Primary School | 11am
Strathblane Primary School v Crofton Junior School | 11am

Group B

Bowden Church School v Southborough Primary School | 11:10am
Vernon Primary School v Poverest Primary School | 11:10am

Group C

Mellor Primary School v Langley Fitzurse Primary School | 11:20am
Killearn Primary School v Bandstead Primary School | 11:20am

Group D

Holy Trinity CE Primary School v St David’s Prep School | 11:30am
Gawsworth Primary School v Honeywell Primary School | 11:30am