The 2026 London Youth Games Girls Football Competition delivered an incredible weekend of sportsmanship and competition last month
The 2026 London Youth Games Girls Football Competition delivered an incredible weekend of sportsmanship and competition on 13th June 2026, as over 200 young people from across London came together at Jack Carter Pavillion for a chance to compete against their peers.
It was a proud day for the young footballers of Islington, who battled through to the semi-final stages of the competition, only to miss out on reaching the final, before ultimately securing the bronze medal in the third-place play-off match.
21 boroughs competed in round robin matches throughout the day, before moving into the knockout stages – with teams fiercely competing for a podium place. Islington played brilliantly as a team and the pitches were surrounded with support from parents and teammates with players proudly representing their borough colours.
The inclusion of football at the London Youth Games has long provided a platform for future careers, with alumni including the likes of Raheem Sterling (Brent), Rio Ferdinand (Southwark), Chloe Kelly (Ealing) and Alex Scott (Tower Hamlets).
Lemar, Islington Team Manager said: “It’s been a great event. The team have had a lot of fun. The players have really bonded together through battling through the group stages and making it through to the semi-finals. It’s been great to bring together the girls of the borough that come from different schools.”
The winning boroughs of the U13 Girls Competition:
Gold: Enfield
Silver: Haringey
Bronze: Islington
As the pressures that young people face grow, 36% of young people report worrying about their mental health in their daily lives (National Youth Strategy Research Project). The London Youth Games’ uses the power of sport to help to boost young people’s emotional wellbeing.
The Games remain dedicated to ensuring that every young person in London has access to inclusive and empowering sporting and physical activity experiences. The 2026 Girls Football Competition highlighted the power of sport to build confidence, resilience, and community.
The event was brilliantly supported by the Borough Team Organisers, Team Managers, parents and volunteers, whose support ensured a memorable experience for all involved. The London Youth Games Foundation supports more than 10,000 young people across London each year, delivering opportunities across 37 sports for all 32 boroughs & the City of London.
Please show your support to the Games by following them on Instagram @ldnyouthgames or donating Countdown to 50 Years of London Youth Games Foundation.
Find out more here.
