Easter 2026 Round-Up: Success at Home and Across Europe

As the 2026 Easter holidays draw to a close, we’re looking back on an unforgettable period in Trans World Soccer history. From the seventh edition of the UK International Cup to our teams competing for silverware in Europe and training at the home of European giants in Madrid, it has been one of our busiest periods to date.

A Landmark Weekend in Loughborough

On home soil, the seventh edition of the UK International Cup, powered by Unite Teamwear, reached a new milestone at Loughborough University. We were delighted to welcome a record 70 teams, with players travelling from across England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, and even the USA.

The weekend saw plenty of silverware handed out including multiple trophy wins for the likes of Levels FC and a hard-fought U14 title for Shotton Colts. A particular highlight was the return of the tournament’s U12 girls’ category, where Mansfield Girls put in an impressive display throughout the weekend to claim the trophy, showcasing the incredible talent currently rising through the girls’ game.

The Continental Report

Our travelling clubs were equally busy making their mark on the continent. At the Holland Easter Open, the Scottish contingent was in clinical form; St Andrews BC put in a flawless, unbeaten run to lift the trophy, while our club partners Spartans FC’s saw their Girls NexGen squads enjoy a remarkable tournament, bringing home multiple trophies and even contesting an all-Spartans final. Dundee United Sports Club secured an impressive top-three finish, and English side, Fletcher Moss Rangers showed brilliant grit to finish their weekend with a dominant, perfect run on day two.

Meanwhile, in Spain, Spartans FC’s 2012s traded the Scottish wind for the Barcelona sun at the Mare Nostrum Easter Cup. Facing off against some of Europe’s top grassroots clubs, the boys gained invaluable experience and finished their campaign on a high, proving they can mix it with the very best on the continent.

Real Madrid: The Development Experience

The Spanish success didn’t stop in Barcelona. Uppermill Juniors headed to the capital for a dedicated Football Development Tour, centered around the world-class facilities of European giants, Real Madrid.

The squad trained at the Real Madrid Training Centre, utilising the same world-class facilities as the club’s professional stars. The trip included a tour of the Santiago Bernabéu, a La Liga fixture between Getafe and Athletic Bilbao, and competitive challenge matches against local side Urbanización Santo Domingo.

Memories to Last a Lifetime

Reflecting on the fortnight, Rory McBride, Head of Trans World Soccer, commented:

“These experiences are about so much more than the results on the pitch. Whether teams are competing for silverware or learning on a football development tour, we want to give young players a platform to test themselves in completely new environments.

Seeing so many players in action over Easter was a highlight for us, and we hope it was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Relive the Action

Over 200 matches were streamed live at this year’s UK International Cup via MYVEOHIRE, allowing friends, family, and supporters from around the world to follow the action. Full match replays from across the weekend are available to watch back here.

You can also catch the best moments from our overseas journeys through the dedicated live blogs for Spartans FC Girls, Dundee United Sports Club, St Andrews BC, Fletcher Moss Rangers, and Spartans FC 2012s.

To see highlights and photos from our Madrid Development Tour with Uppermill Juniors, make sure to follow our Trans World Soccer social media channels where we will be sharing the best moments from their time at Real Madrid.

Join us in 2027

A massive thank you goes out to every player, coach, and supporter who made this Easter period so special.

If you’re already eyeing up an experience for your club next season – whether you’re looking for tournament silverware or a non-competitive development tour – you can register your interest here.