Runners-up in the CYFL U12 Division 2 playing a year up, tournament winners, an international adventure in France, academy opposition and countless memories: the Southside Cheetahs U11 have enjoyed a fantastic 2025/26 season.

A Year Up League Runners Up

The Cheetahs finished the season as CYFL U12 Division 2 runners-up, with an outstanding record of 13 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss. The team played attacking football throughout the season, scoring an incredible 90 league goals, averaging more than five goals per game. Every player contributed throughout the season, playing in different positions and getting on the scoresheet, including both goalkeepers when they stepped up to play as strikers! Most importantly, every player developed massively throughout the season, adapting brilliantly to the challenge of playing a year up and growing together as a team.

More Than Just Football

The Cheetahs enjoyed a fantastic range of experiences away from the pitch, helping build friendships and create memories throughout the season.

From Tenpin and laser tag to Cotswold Country Park and footgolf, there was plenty of fun along the way.

Cheetahs players in life jackets on the beach at Cotswold Country Park The Cheetahs lined up together at the footgolf course Cheetahs players sharing a booth at the tenpin bowling alley
The Cheetahs enjoying some team bonding away from the football pitch.

The boys also enjoyed watching Cheltenham Town FC in pre-season against Evesham, played at the Forest Green Rovers Stadium, and had the opportunity to take on the Cheltenham Town FC Academy.

Cheetahs players pitchside watching Cheltenham Town play Evesham in pre-season The Cheetahs with their certificates in the stand at Forest Green Rovers Stadium
Some special football experiences during the season.

An Unforgettable Trip to France

Over the Easter Bank Holiday, the Cheetahs travelled to France to compete in the Morlaix Football Cup, a two-day international tournament featuring 48 teams.

The tournament included academy sides from some of France’s biggest clubs, including Brest, Lorient, Guingamp, Bordeaux and Saint-Étienne, as well as teams from Paris, Switzerland and Belgium. The Cheetahs competed brilliantly on the international stage, gaining valuable experience against some of the best teams in their age group. Away from the football, the boys explored Brittany, visited the historic town of Saint-Malo, enjoyed time by the sea in Locquirec and, of course, found plenty of opportunities to play football!

The Cheetahs lined up by the sea at Locquirec in Brittany Cheetahs players messing about on the ferry deck on the crossing to France
The Cheetahs in Brittany for the Morlaix Football Cup.
A page of the French newspaper Le Télégramme covering the Morlaix Football Cup, headlined 500 jeunes réunis autour de la passion du ballon rond
The Cheetahs featuring in the local newspapers.
A Cheetahs player pointing up at the Morlaix Football Cup poster in the town The Cheetahs squad in tracksuits with the Southside Star flag in the stand at the Morlaix Football Cup Cheetahs players, coaches and families together on the pitch at the Morlaix Football Cup
Football, friendship and unforgettable memories in France.

Tournament Success

The Cheetahs continued their fantastic season in tournaments across England and Wales. The team reached six semi-finals and three finals, scoring an impressive 110 goals across the tournaments and lifted trophies at Chepstow, Hucclecote and West Worcester tournaments.

The Cheetahs celebrating behind the West Worcester Tournament winners banner The Cheetahs with their medals and coaches in front of the goal at the Chepstow tournament The Cheetahs on the grass with their trophy at the Hucclecote tournament
Trophy wins at Chepstow, Hucclecote and West Worcester.

A Season to Remember

From league football and tournament victories to France, academy opposition, stadium football and countless team-bonding experiences, the Cheetahs have enjoyed a season full of football and memories. Every player has represented Southside Star FC brilliantly and developed enormously throughout the season. The coaches are incredibly proud of the boys and can’t wait to see what next season brings.

Up the Cheetahs! 🐆⚽