The Hawthorns’ Richardson Suite once again provided the perfect setting as The Albion Foundation brought together players, parents, and coaches to celebrate a season of progress, achievement, and development across the Midland Junior Premier League (MJPL) and Girls’ Games Programme (GGP).
The MJPL Awards Evening, held on Saturday 16 May 2026, welcomed 92 players from six teams for a night that recognised commitment and growth both on and off the pitch. Individual honours, including Players’ Player, Parents’ Player and Managers’ Player, highlighted the dedication shown throughout the season, reinforcing the values that sit at the heart of the programme.
There were a number of standout achievements across the MJPL pathway. The U11s demonstrated excellent continuity, retaining 90% of their squad — a reflection of the positive, player-centred environment created within the programme. The U12s enjoyed a strong campaign, finishing in the top 20 while celebrating two players securing academy signings with West Bromwich Albion and Walsall, showcasing the strength of the player development pathway.
The U13s secured a top-30 finish and saw one player progress into academy football, while the U14s delivered an impressive season, finishing in the top 15 and supporting three players in earning academy trials. The U16s rounded off their journey in style, reaching a cup final and successfully transitioning six players into the post-16 programme — a key milestone that reflects both player progression and the opportunities created through our Football for All pathway.
While the U15s faced a challenging season, their resilience, effort, and commitment were equally recognised, underlining the programme’s focus on development for all. Overall, the MJPL teams improved on last year’s league finishes, demonstrating clear progress across the board.
Just days later, on Friday 22 May 2026, 75 players from the Girls’ Games Programme came together for another inspiring evening of celebration. The GGP continues to grow from strength to strength, with this season delivering outstanding success across multiple age groups.
The U13 and U14 teams both achieved JPL League Runners-Up finishes, reflecting consistency and high performance throughout the campaign. The U15s enjoyed a fantastic season, crowned JPL League Winners in a well-earned achievement that showcased their hard work. Meanwhile, the U16s celebrated cup success, lifting the JPL Cup following a memorable run.
As with the MJPL event, individual awards recognised those who have made a positive impact within their teams, celebrating effort, leadership, and dedication. These moments not only reward performances but also inspire continued growth and confidence in every player. As part of the celebrations, every player received a personalised gift bag and football, kindly provided by The Print Locker, in recognition of their hard work and commitment throughout the season — a special touch that ensured every participant left with a lasting memory of their achievements.
Across both evenings, there was a strong sense of pride and togetherness. These events are about more than football — they are about creating opportunities, building confidence, and celebrating the journeys of young people within The Albion Foundation.
We would also like to thank our programme sponsors, Sandwell College (MJPL) and West Midlands Safari Park (GGP), for their valued support throughout the season. Their continued backing plays an important role in helping us provide meaningful opportunities for all participants.
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With continued development and clear progression opportunities, the future remains bright for both the Midland Junior Premier League and Girls’ Games Programme as they look ahead to the next season.
