Panthers Wrocław Juniors enter the game. First up: an away match in Katowice!

This coming Saturday, the Panthers Wrocław U20 American football team will kick off their Polish Football League Junior season. In the season opener, the Wrocław side will face Silesia Rebels Katowice on the road. The matchup will take place in the capital of Upper Silesia, with kickoff scheduled for 2:00 PM.

A long preseason is coming to an end, and the young Panthers are returning to league play. Wrocław has faced Katowice regularly over the past few years. Last season at the Olympic Stadium, the hosts secured a convincing 56:12 victory. However, junior football has its own rules, with rosters built virtually from scratch each year.

Saturday's clash will be the 2026 season opener for both teams, so each will certainly want to put their best foot forward and prove the effectiveness of their off-season preparation. The Panthers Wrocław roster features many players who have already represented the club in senior competition this year - both in the Polish Football League and in The League Europe.

„Preparations for the junior season went fruitfully. From last year's autumn recruitment drive and two more this year, we brought in many players who can't wait to hit the field. This season, we are transitioning to 11-a-side play. The question is how the players will adapt to having four additional teammates on the field. Of course, it's a very positive change. After many years, a format we were all missing is finally introduced at the developmental level. Now, players will gain full field vision and experience to carry over to the senior level. The first game of the season is always a big unknown. We don't know what to expect from our opponent, because in junior football, teams are rebuilt from scratch every year. The Silesia Rebels are always a tough, demanding opponent; they have a strong junior program that produces new talent every season, especially at skill positions. The goal for this season remains the same - make the playoffs, then reach the final, so our players get 100% playing time across six games. Where we finished last season doesn't matter right now. It's a new season where only the next game counts, and our mottos for this year are discipline and humility.“  - comments Miłosz Maćków, Head Coach of Panthers Wrocław U20.

„Preparations aren't over yet, but they are going very well. The atmosphere is definitely very positive, but we don't forget that you should never underestimate an opponent, no matter who they are. I expect a win because I know how much hard work we put in on the field during the preseason, and I know what we're capable of as a team. The goal for the season is obviously the championship and nothing less, but we realize it won't just fall into our laps, so we keep training and approach every game with humility.“  - adds Maksymilian Cybula, wide receiver for Panthers Wrocław U20.

The young Panthers Wrocław players are counting heavily on their fans' support in the upcoming 2026 season. Following the opener in Katowice, Wrocław faces another road test on September 27 against the Kraków Kings in Lesser Poland. Fans in Wrocław will have to wait until October for home action, when the Panthers host two games at the Olympic Stadium: facing the Hunters Tarnów on October 4, followed by the Tychy Falcons on October 18.