Are the Best U18s Representing the Isle of Man? The objective of representative football should be simple: the best available players should represent the Isle of Man. The 2026/27 U18s squad was announced today and well done to those selected, its a great achievement. That said, there are some big names missing. Why? Looking at the statistics and performances in senior Manx football this season, MFF has a question: are we seeing the best U18 players in the Island squad? Some eligible U18s aren't just playing senior football — they're thriving. They're regular starters in first teams, scoring goals and producing statistics that would be impressive for players of any age. Yet some aren't in the representative squad. Why not? Did they go to a trial? Should they even need to go to a trial when the evidence speaks for itself? Have they been watched? Have they even been asked? Is enough weight being given to what they're doing every Saturday in senior football, rather than what happens on a single trial night at the bowl? And perhaps the biggest question: do they even actually want to play for the Isle of Man? If they don't, why not? Representing the Island should surely be the pinnacle of local football, something the best young Manx players aspire to do. At U18 level there is plenty of evidence available. Watch the games, speak to the clubs, use the statistics and identify the youngsters performing consistently against adults week in week out. MFF is seeing it every week! Statistics shouldn't select the team, but outstanding and consistent performances should surely earn players a call-up. Find the best players. Ask them. Give them the opportunity. Then select the best possible Isle of Man team.

⚽ TOP SCORERS SO FAR Four gameweeks into the season and the latest updates have changed the picture at the top of the goalscoring charts. 🔴 PREMIER LEAGUE St Marys’ Mark Wolfenden has surged to the top with nine goals from just three appearances. Behind him, Sean Doyle (Corinthians), Tyler Hughes (Union Mills) and Tomas Brown (Peel) are all level on seven goals, with Eric Hill (Braddan) next on four. 🔵 DIVISION TWO Michael United’s Nathan Faragher now leads Division Two with 11 goals from four appearances, just ahead of Ross Crawford (Castletown) on 10. Foxdale’s Jason Chatwood is next with eight goals from three appearances, while teammate William Taylor continues his consistent start with four goals from four appearances, including a brace. James Ashley and Jonathan Quirk (St Georges), Andrew Burkitt (Gymnasium), Patrick Cooper (Malew) and Danny Corrin (DHSOB) are also on four goals. Plenty of football still to come, but the early battle at the top of both scoring charts is already taking shape. 📊 Statistics: Manx Fantasy Football Figures checked against the live tables on 21 September 2026. ⚽ www.ManxFantasyFootball.com

Laxey walked away comfortable 2-5 victors in this afternoon's traditional Miners Cup pre-season friendly hosted by Foxdale at Billy Goat Park. Some sloppy defending for the first goal after a long throw, and then a well judged lob following a particularly poor goalkeeping clearance immediately put Foxdale on the back foot, all within the first ten minutes. Laxey looked comfortable throughout and spread the ball well with only an OG and a glancing header eating into an otherwise dominant performance. Foxdale looked poor in midfield, wasted some set pieces and had numerous goal kicks fired over the top of everyone. Coupled with an insistent 'hoof it up front' approach whilst not connecting with team mates in good positions, instead choosing to shoot from questionable angles, were all symptoms of the difference in class between the two sides. By contrast, Laxey looked a slick footballing outfit who were strong on the break and switched the play smoothly linking the team together well. Good luck to both teams in their respective leagues this season.

📅 Saturday 29th August 2026 The new Manx Fantasy Football season kicks off with a full fixture list across all four divisions. Time to pick your team and get ready for Gameweek 1! 🔴 Premier League Braddan First vs St Marys First Colby First vs Ayre United First Corinthians First vs Rushen United First Peel First vs Ramsey First RYCOB First vs Union Mills First St Johns United First vs Laxey First 🔵 Division 2 Castletown First vs DHSOB First Douglas Royal First vs Douglas & District First Governors Athletic First vs Michael United First Malew First vs Foxdale First Pulrose United First vs Douglas Athletic First St Georges First vs Gymnasium First 🟠 Combination League 1 St Marys Combination vs Braddan Combination Ayre United Combination vs Colby Combination Laxey Combination vs St Johns United Combination Ramsey Combination vs Peel Combination Rushen United Combination vs Corinthians Combination Union Mills Combination vs RYCOB Combination 🟢 Combination League 2 DHSOB Combination vs Castletown Combination Douglas & District Combination vs Douglas Royal Combination Douglas Athletic Combination vs Pulrose United Combination Foxdale Combination vs Malew Combination Gymnasium Combination vs St Georges Combination Michael United Combination vs Governors Athletic Combination 🚀 Ready for kick-off? Make sure you've picked your squad before the deadline and start the season with a strong Gameweek 1.

The opening fixtures for the 2026/27 Canada Life Premier League have been released.