Monarchs Academy Are Crowned

NEWS Friday 18th September 2026, 10:21pm

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Edinburgh Monarchs Academy are champions!

With the Academy sitting pretty top of the league the pressure was on the chasing pack and following Middlesbrough's 53-37 victory over Leicester on Friday night it means the Armadale side can no longer be caught.

A beaming Academy boss Scott Wilson saying, "It feels unbelievable, so much hard work goes into this, not just this season but over the years.

"I said when I came in I wanted to win things with this club and it feels unbelievable.

"When you go into a competition you want to win it, it doesn't matter what the competition is, that was our goal for the season.

"For tonight I wish the whole team could have been together to celebrate but you see Jordy and Anika and their family and you see the fans at Armadale after the Poole match and it means the world to them."

Wilson quick to point out that not one single person can be singled out for the teams efforts this year, "It has been the definition of a team effort, we have had our problems to overcome we lose Connor (Coles) our captain before a wheel is even turned and that would have done it for other teams but I'd say it even brought us closer together.

"You see the improvement in the likes of Jamie and Ben and that is down to their talent but I also believe it is down to being part of this team and that they may not have done that in other teams.

"Again I am just so so proud of all of them for sticking together and what we have achieved."

A fan since a boy the pride in Wilson clear to see as he reflects on his feeling for the club, "On a personal side I can't sum it really.

"This club has been a part of my life for 26 years and to write a piece of history to win a league title in a national competition it feels incredible."

As Wilson said while the results have come on track it has not been all plain sailing with injuries to Connor Coles, Vinnie Foord, Jordy Loftus meaning rejigging and guests have been required throughout but such has been the belief that with the league title wrapped up with two matches to go the pressure is now off and the rest of the year can be enjoyed as first year Aussie Anika Loftus confirmed, "It is amazing, all of the boys have done so well this year and as a team we have just gelled.

"We take every match as it comes and never got complacent, we always put 100% in and when you do that it shows.

"To come over to the UK and be NDL Champion in my first season it is something to be proud.

Focus now going to two matches remaining and the chance at an unbeaten season, Loftus quick to point out the mindset doesn't change, "We would love to go unbeaten but we are rode by two good teams, we won't be complacent and we will give it 100% but it would be great to win them all."

Wilson and Loftus rightfully proud of a season that while not over yet sees the Academy lift their first ever league title at this level.