Aspire PFC Gameweek One Preview: Premiership 2026/27
The wait is finally over, as Aspire PFC return to Premiership action this weekend for the start of a brand new season.
With 30 new signings across the league, including two at Aspire, the anticipation ahead of a new campaign is at an all-time high.
Gameweek one consists of four games for Aspire as they begin to chase their aim of lifting the ultimate title.
Aspire Vs Manchester United PFC
Saturday - 09:30 - Court B
Opposition Overview
Just like last year, Aspire begin this season with a match against a newly-promoted opponent. Manchester United took the Championship by storm last year, ending the season incredibly strongly to win the title on a dramatic final day.
Now, back in the Premiership with a new-look squad, the aim for the Red Devils is growth and survival in the competitive top flight. Last season, United were built from a strong defence, pioneered by Scottish international Laura Evans in goal, and ultimate Player of the Season David Dee ahead of her.
This partnership then allowed the young talent of Mason Davies, and the proven Premiership quality of Liam Fitzpatrick (both of whom joined United in January last campaign) to flourish.
United have a great blend of youth and experience, and a passionate and knowledgeable coaching staff to go alongside their talented group. They are not to be slept on by anybody this season.
Recent History
It would feel somewhat unfair to bring up the most recent Premiership meetings between Aspire and Manchester United, as both sides have grown and experienced a lot since then.
United were welcomed to the Madeleine Steel Invitational Tournament hosted by Aspire last month, and the friendly between the two sides was a competitive, enjoyable game to watch.
Player to Watch
Mason Davies is already being tipped by some pundits as an outside shout for Young Player of the Season in the Premiership this campaign, after winning the same award for the Championship last season.
Davies was performing well in the first half of last season for Manchester United's sister club, Altrincham PFC. This resulted in him transferring to United to bolster their promotion push.
He ended the season on 18 goals and ten assists, being one of the standouts across the division.
Mason's partnership with other youngster David Dee is great to see. Their friendly relationship off the court clearly translates on it, where they frequently link up and make up the spine of the Manchester United team.
Both youngsters seem ready to get their first experience of the Premiership under their belts this season.
Aspire Vs Sevenoaks PFC
Saturday - 13:00 - Court B
Opposition Overview
After an incredibly difficult season off the court, Sevenoaks completed the great escape last campaign, with a brilliant final weekend clawing themselves into the relegation play-off with Teesside Steel. They won that game on penalties and maintained their top flight status.
Given the loss experienced by Sevenoaks, and the lack of squad depth that they were left with as a result, survival truly was a remarkable achievement, and the 'Oaks were deservedly named the 2025/26 MK Battery Team of the Season at the WFA awards.
Pleasingly, survival has set Sevenoaks back onto their feet. They have been able to add quality to their squad, and go into their season on a much stronger footing.
Jacob Vickers made the move from Muscle Warriors to Sevenoaks this summer, opting to continue his development in Premiership football.
It will be a reunion with Aspire for Jordan Williams, the first time our decorated former player will face off against his old club. He adds real experience and quality to help the younger players within the squad.
Sevenoaks have also promoted from within, with Harry Barnley making the step up from their second team for this season. They will be looking to kick on this campaign, and be more comfortable than last, that is for sure.
Recent History
The last meeting between Aspire and Sevenoaks was in gameweek five of the Premiership last season.
Aspire won that one 3-0, with Dan Mclellan netting a hat-trick, including a great strike from range just seconds into the match.
Players to Watch
Wingers Stanley Ball and George Shippey were thrown into the deep end of Premiership football last season, and stood up to the test admirably.
They became a real cohesive unit with the Sevenoaks defensive partnership of Alexander and Mason, guarding the edge of their box well, and springing the counter-attack offensively.
It will be exciting to see their continued development this season in a less pressurised situation, where they are not forced to play every single minute, and are under more relaxed conditions.
Aspire Vs Greenbank PFC
Sunday - 10:25 - Court B
Opposition Overview
Greenbank were a top side last season, and were right on the cusp of the title race for the entire campaign, ultimately falling just shy in the final two gameweeks.
However this feels almost irrelevant when writing this preview. Last season's starting four of Jacob Buch-Platt, Thorbjorn Krarup, Marcus Harrison and Luke Kelly have all departed this summer, leaving an almighty rebuild in their place.
Greenbank have done well to piece together a squad with a mix of National League experience and newer players.
It is going to likely be a tough year for the Greenies, but a learning experience nonetheless!
Recent History
It's hard to read anything into last season's clashes between Greenbank and Aspire due to the changes in personnel.
However the two sides did meet in the final game of last season. It was a resounding 3-0 victory for Aspire with goals from John Dickson x2 and Jon Bolding.
Player to Watch
There is not a huge amount of Premiership experience in Greenbank's squad. They have lost every single player who scored a competitive goal for them last campaign.
Toby Maurice joins as a solid goalkeeping option from Nottingham Forest, as well as Shannon Smith who has just enjoyed promotion in a wide role at Manchester United last season.
Cody Taylor, Liam Ashton, Bertie Kay and Jorge Currey have all been promoted from Greenbank's academy team. Taylor featured for Greenbank in their first Premiership season in 2024/25.
Aspire Vs Villa Rockets PFC
Sunday - 13:55 - Court A
Opposition Overview
Of all of the sides that Aspire face this weekend, Villa probably need the least introduction. This is the third most played fixture in the history of the Premiership, with 38 meetings between the two teams.
Jon Bolding is the all-time top goal-scorer in the match, however Dan Mclellan has the best recent form with seven goals in the last nine meetings.
Villa are a side that have both a resolute defensive structure and a clear mandate to attack as a unit. Dangerous from set pieces, Villa are a threat to any team in the division when on form.
Teesside learnt this the hard way last campaign when they were beaten 1-0 by Villa Rockets in gameweek four, a massive blow to their title hopes.
Villa are without goalkeeping stalwart, and last year's Premiership defensive player of the year in Humzah Mudhir this weekend as he recovers from a recent operation.
Recent Meetings
Aspire won the two league meetings, plus the WFA Cup match between these two sides last season. They were close, intense affairs, particularly the third round cup game played at the home of the Rockets, which ended 2-1 to Aspire.
Rockets were the victorious team at the Madeleine Steel Charitable Trust Invitational tournament in August, after beating Aspire 1-0. If recent form is anything to go by, this game will go right down to the wire.
Player To Watch
Bobby Allen emerged onto the scene as a talented prospect at Nomad Knights in the Championship where he scored 24 goals in a promotion-winning season.
Not long after, Allen moved to Villa Rockets where his clear potential became evident, and he began to look a great talent in the Premiership.
Unfortunately, due to issues relating to health, it has been a stop-start couple of seasons for Bobby, however he seems to have overcome a lot of those heading into the new campaign.
Allen is an exciting winger, who has a clinical edge but is also a great passer and creator. He could be the missing piece for Villa this season, and his more consistent availability will be like a new signing for the West Midlands based side.
Allen has been touted by many as a player to watch this season, and Aspire will have to be on their game to deal with the threat he may pose.
From The Aspire Camp
Coach Jon Bolding said: "We are so excited for the new season to start. We have prepared really well during the close season and feel we are in perfect shape.
"We have two new lads who are making their debut for Aspire and we are expecting big things from everyone. We cannot wait for the first game!"
Captain Dan Mclellan said: "I cannot wait for the new season. We have been working hard, and I am excited for that to hopefully show this weekend.
"On a personal note, I cannot wait for my first league game as Aspire captain - it is going to be an absolute honour!"
Follow Our Games
These games will be streamed live on YouTube by the WFA. Each game is individually scheduled, these links will be shared on our social media during the weekend.
You can find the link to the channel here: The WFA - YouTube
Updates will be posted to Aspire social media throughout the weekend, with a full write up of the matches to follow.
There will also be an episode of club podcast 'The Aspire Review' to discuss all of the weekend's action following its conclusion.
As with all Premiership weekends, this event will be taking place at the Lee Westwood Sports Centre, Nottingham Trent University. Spectators are welcome.
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