Akron Royals Clinch BWNYJSL Division 1 Championship

The Akron Royals U16 girls soccer team has accomplished something few would have imagined just a few years ago, capturing the 2026 Buffalo Western New York Junior Soccer League (BWNYJSL) U16 Division 1 Championship with an impressive 8-1-1 record.

The Royals showed early signs that this could be a special season by winning the U16 division at the Akron Kick It First Tournament. That confidence carried throughout the summer as the team continued to grow stronger with each match.

Clinching the league title came down to their final game of the season against longtime rival Orchard Park Rubies. Playing on the road with the championship on the line, the Royals faced an early challenge when Orchard Park scored first in the opening half. But this team never blinked. Playing with confidence, composure, and complete belief in one another, the Royals responded with two goals to earn a thrilling 2-1 victory and secure the Division 1 championship.

For those who have watched this team over the years, the championship is especially meaningful.

The Royals were formed in 2020 and endured their share of growing pains in the early seasons. They competed against larger clubs that often seemed out of reach, but year after year the players continued to work, improve, and believe. Although the roster has welcomed new teammates along the way, the core of the group has remained together through seven seasons, building friendships and trust that became the foundation of this championship run.

The Royals have earned a reputation for playing with joy, relentless effort, and a competitive spirit. Those qualities were on full display throughout the season and especially in the championship-clinching victory.

This championship represents years of perseverance, growth, and believing that hard work could close the gap with some of the area’s strongest soccer programs.

For the Akron Royals, that belief became reality this summer, and in doing so they made a little bit of Akron soccer history.

The Akron Royals are coached by Kate and Andy Bogdan. Members of the 2026 BWNYJSL U16 Division 1 Championship team are Clara Bogdan, Abby Bower, Abby Gerstung, Noelle Gerstung, Rylie Irish-Baker, Kylie Karmazyn, Eliza Koopman, Leah Kreher, Hannah Liss, Reagan Luck, Morgan Marcinkowski, Madelyn Odachowski, Naomi Romesser, Abigail Schlabach, Morgan Sidell, Alexis Sommers, Brooke Warren, and Brooke Wood.