The 2026-27 season is set to be one of the biggest in British Dodgeball history.
With record numbers of league entries, the return of the Welsh Super League, new competition formats, expanded Junior and University opportunities, and major event developments, there is more competitive dodgeball than ever before.
Full details off all the updates can be found in the PDF below:
English National Leagues
The English National League system reaches another milestone this season with record participation across both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Men’s National League
A record 57 men’s teams have entered the 2026-27 English League structure, made up of:
- Super League – 12 teams
- League 1 – 12 teams
- League 2 North – 15 teams
- League 2 South – 10 teams
- League 3 South – 8 teams
Following the first five rounds, every team in League 2 North will have played each other once. The league will then split into:
- League 2 North (8 teams)
- League 3 North (7 teams)
The new structure provides more competitive fixtures throughout the second half of the season, with separate league champions being crowned in both divisions.
Women’s National League
The women’s game also reaches a record high with 27 teams entering the English League system.
The structure will consist of:
- Super League – 12 teams
- League 1 – 15 teams
In the 1st seven rounds, League 1 play eachother once, and will then split into:
- League 1 (8 teams)
- League 2 (7 teams)
Separate league winners will also be recognised at the end of the season, creating more meaningful competition throughout the campaign.
Welsh Super League Returns
We’re delighted to welcome back the Welsh Super League for the 2026-27 season.
Clubs from Wales, England and Universities are all encouraged to enter, with clubs able to compete in both the Welsh and English league systems as the event dates do not clash.
The highest-placed Welsh team will earn qualification for the 2027 British Championships, providing an important competitive pathway for Welsh clubs.
The league will consist of three rounds, all hosted at St Cyres School, Penarth.
British Championships Return to Kettering
The 2027 British Championships will return to Kettering Arena Sport on 10 July 2027, marking a third consecutive year at the venue.
While the successful competition format remains unchanged, improvements to the arena layout will see spectator seating positioned further back, allowing courts to be set up fully net-to-net, creating an even better playing and viewing experience.
Qualification details for the adult competitions will be announced in due course, with the returning Welsh Super League providing the Welsh qualification place.
For the Junior British Championships, qualification remains unchanged from 2026. Teams will continue to earn ranking points through performances at Open events and league competitions, with the top five teams in each age group qualifying.
New Structure for Mixed Leagues
The English Mixed League has been restructured for 2026-27.
The competition will now feature:
- Super League
- North 1 League
- South 1 League
Promotion and relegation will operate between the divisions, with a playoff system similar to the Men’s National League
Scottish teams will have a qualification pathway to Mixed Finals Day, with the top teams from the Mixed Scottish Open earning the opportunity to compete against the best Mixed teams from England and Northern Ireland at Kettering.
British Open Expands to a Two-Day Event
The British Open becomes an even bigger event in 2027.
Taking place on 8-9 May 2027 at Kettering Arena Sport, the competition will now run across two days.
The event will feature:
- 16 Men’s teams
- 16 Women’s teams
Day One will consist of group stages before teams progress into Day Two for knockout rounds and positional matches.
Every team will be guaranteed at least three matches on each day.
University Dodgeball Events
University competition continues to evolve with two major additions for 2027.
Graded University Championships
The University Championships will now operate as a tiered competition.
- A Grade – University first teams
- B Grade – University second, third and fourth teams
The format will apply to both the men’s and women’s competitions, subject to entries, ensuring more balanced and competitive matches across the event.
University Cup
A brand-new University Cup will also be introduced.
Qualification events will take place in both the North and South before the competition concludes with a Finals Day at Repton School.
New Under-18 League
A dedicated Under-18 League will launch this season.
League fixtures will take place during the three Junior Open events, with 30-minute matches played across the day.
The rounds will be:
- Round 1 – Nottingham (4 October)
- Round 2 – Kettering (7 November)
- Round 3 – Repton (17 January)
At the end of the league season, the top six teams will qualify for the Junior National Cup Finals.
Schools Competition Continues to Expand
Following another successful year, the National Schools Competition continues to grow.
The 2026-27 programme will include:
- 40+ County competitions
- 3 Primary Mixed regional events
- 8+ Primary Girls regional events
- 8+ Secondary Year 7/8 regional events
National Finals will be contested across:
- Primary Mixed
- Primary Girls
- Secondary Year 7/8
- Boys Year 9/10
- Girls Year 9/10
The National Schools Finals will take place at Kettering Arena Sport on 8-9 July 2027.
New College Competition
A brand-new College Dodgeball programme will launch during the 2026-27 season.
British Dodgeball will partner with a host college across each of the 10 regions to deliver regional college competitions.
Each event will be open to college teams within its region, providing another exciting opportunity for students to compete and helping grow the sport within further education.
Full 2026-27 Competition Calendar
With more leagues, more events and more opportunities to compete than ever before, the 2026-27 season promises to be one of the biggest in British Dodgeball history.
The full calendar for the 2026-27 British Dodgeball season can be found on the homepage of www.britishdodgeball.org.
