Carlisle’s Border City Centurions have capped a remarkable flag football season by reaching a national final and securing promotion to the National Division. As a sponsor of the club, Kingmoor Park is delighted to congratulate the players, coaches and volunteers on everything they have achieved in 2026.
Border City Centurions earn promotion
The Centurions’ Black team entered the Premiership this season after an unbeaten Division One campaign in 2025. They quickly showed they could compete at the higher level, reaching the GB Premier Finals at Coventry’s Nick Newbold Stadium on 12 September.
It was the club’s fourth consecutive season reaching national finals. In a News & Star preview ahead of the tournament, head coach Nick Weston credited the commitment of the players and reflected on their success against teams from larger cities and counties.
Their semi-final against Norwich produced a memorable comeback. Trailing late in the game, the Centurions fought back to win 27–26. The victory took them through to the championship game and secured promotion for next season.
Although hosts Coventry won the final, the Centurions finished as national runners-up in their first Premiership campaign. For a club founded in 2022, it is a significant achievement.
Proud to support the team
The News & Star also recognised the support of local sponsors, including Kingmoor Park’s contribution of match equipment. We sponsored custom flags used in the Centurions’ league games this season. In flag football, players stop an opponent by removing a flag worn at the waist, making the flags an essential part of every match.
We have enjoyed following the team’s progress and are pleased to have played a practical part in their season. The club’s work extends beyond competition, too. Through its partnership with Carlisle Youth Zone, it gives young people free opportunities to try flag football. The Centurions also support Diabetes UK’s Lorraine Hough Tribute Fund.
Recognition beyond the final
The British American Football Association named the Centurions as finalists for its Club of the Year award and Nick as a finalist in its Ambition Hero category. The team’s story has also reached wider audiences through features on BBC One and BBC Radio Cumbria.
Hear their BBC Radio Cumbria interview, which begins at 37:30. We appreciated the mention, and it was great to see the team’s achievements receiving wider recognition.
Congratulations to Nick, the entire squad and everyone who works behind the scenes for the club. We also recognise fellow sponsor Bendles Solicitors and the other supporters who have backed the Centurions. A national runners-up finish and promotion give Carlisle plenty to celebrate, and we look forward to cheering the team on next season.
