Members of our High Peak Youth Robotics youth group, supported by members of the Funny Wonders team, travelled down to London to compete at the FIRST Tech Challenge UK National Championships at the Copper Box Arena on 26–27 June 2025. See some photos below.

Out of 64 amazing teams, we were proud to be one of only four community-based teams to qualify; and, as a youth-led rookie team, that’s a huge achievement!

Following the required competition checks and portfolio presentation on the Thursday, they had five qualifying matches on the Friday. Alongside their alliance team, they won their first match 64-43!  However, this was followed by four losses; so, unfortunately, the team didn’t reach the knockout stages of the competition. The robot performed to its potential and scored consistently, but those of their alliance teams, less so.

But the group had an incredible time competing and the experience, teamwork, and learning were invaluable. Competing alongside more established teams with advanced kit and much more developed robots only fired them up for the future. 

“We’re coming away inspired, motivated, and ready to build even better next season!”

Despite their disappointment, the team stayed to watch the rest of the competition and the tech displays around the arena.

After the event, the regional co-ordinator for FIRST UK, Paige, wrote to the team:

“I couldn’t be prouder of you! I saw your step-up from the regional tournament, in your robot, your portfolio, and in your gracious professionalism.”

Find out more about their 2024/2025 season on our project page here.

Thank you to everyone who donated to help the team get down to London!

If you would like to support the group moving forward, you can make a donation via our new GoFundMe fundraiser for the 2025/2026 season here.