More than 2,000 players from 306 different teams came to west London across the previous two weekends to take part in the 2026 Gunnersbury Cup.

Returning for the sixth successive year, the Trust run tournament is a marquee event in the calendar year, welcoming grassroots teams from the local area and overseas.

With the growing reputation year-on-year, 2026 lived up to the billing in the soaring heat at Gunnersbury Park.

Kicking off on Friday 26 June with the Boys Under 15 and Under 16 tournaments, the matches were competitive and played in good spirits. In the Under 15 competition, HP AllStars took the glory, beating The Eight Gold 2-0 in the Cup Final to round off the evening.

Partner Support

Across the two weekends of action Brentford FC and Trust partner Bazooka Candy Brands returned as Official Football Supporter of the 2026 Gunnersbury Cup. Bazooka's involvement demonstrated what meaningful community partnership can look like in practice. They actively supported the experience from start to finish with Juicy Drop, providing a bespoke hydration station to keep everyone refreshed, as well as funding the footballs used throughout the tournament, and providing entertainment and prizes for children between matches. Their contribution helped create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where young people could enjoy the game, build confidence and make lasting memories alongside their families.

In addition to Bazooka Candy Brand's support, Samba Sports, who are one of the Founding Supporters of the Trust’s Community Supporters Club and Sports Equipment partner of choice, played a key role in the event, delivering high-quality kit across our community programmes. Together, the backing of Bazooka Candy Brands and Samba Sports contributed to the huge success of the Gunnersbury Cup and the Trust would like to extend its thanks to both partners.

Penalty Heartbreak

In one of the most dramatic finals across the two weekends, it was heartbreak for Surrey Nomads Pinks in the Under 8 Mixed Final. After a thrilling 2-2 draw in normal time, the match went to penalties with JDA Academy Teals holding their nerve to win 3-1 and take home the title.

Abi Man Cup

There was an emotional and poignant tribute in the Girls Under 15/16 competition, which has been renamed the Abi Man Cup to celebrate the legacy of former Emerging Talent Centre player Abi Man.

Abi recently passed away following a long-term illness and her family were in attendance on the day to present the trophy and medals to Ruislip Rangers as the first ever winners of the Abi Man Cup.

NPL Showdown

In the Under 11/12 Girls competition, it was an all NPL showdown in the final, with NPL Diamonds edging 1-0 past NPL sharks to take the title.

Pan-Disability Cup

This year we welcomed 13 teams across three different sections of the Pan-Disability Cup which is testament to the growth and inclusivity of the Gunnersbury Cup.

With a range of grassroots teams taking part, we also welcomed sides from Reading FC Community Trust and Chelsea FC Foundation.

On home soil, it proved to be a successful afternoon for Brentford FC Community Sports Trust teams. In the Under 12 competition Inclusion Coach Alex Hamber led the Trust team to glory, and Inclusion Coach Regan McSweeney enjoyed the same success with the Trust team in the Under 16 event.

Congratulations and Thank You

Congratulations to all the teams and players who took part in this year’s Gunnersbury Cup. We would also like to extend a huge thank you to all the staff, referees, coaches, teams and event partners who all contributed to make the 2026 Gunnersbury Cup a huge success. We look forward to welcoming you all back in 2027.