Flying the Flag: What It Means to Play for Team GB Paintball

When you hear "Team GB," your mind might drift to the Olympics, cycling triumphs, or that iconic Union Jack jersey. But there's another battlefield where British athletes carry our nation’s pride—not with pedals or pool lanes, but with paintball markers and unbreakable spirit. Welcome to the high-adrenaline world of Team GB Paintball.

More Than a Game: Competing for Your Country

Representing your country in any sport is an honour few get to experience. In paintball, it means stepping into the arena with the weight of a nation on your shoulders—and doing so with fire, precision, and unity.

Team GB is proudly made up of five competitive categories, each bringing together the best talent from across the UK:

• Men’s Division – Fast, fierce, and insanely competitive.

• Women’s Division – Rising stars showing the world what female athletes are capable of.

• Veterans – Battle-tested players with strategy, experience, and composure.

• Under 19s – The next generation of paintball elite, already making waves.

• Under 16s – The youngest warriors, fearless and hungry for the future.

Every player, no matter the category, shares one mission: to give everything on the field for their team, their sport, and their flag.

The GB Paintball Team is continuously pushing the boundaries of performance, not only on the field but behind the scenes as well. Committed to competing at the highest level, the team has been evolving its program by integrating professional elements such as fitness coaching and nutritional guidance. These additions reflect the athletes' dedication to elevating their physical and mental game, ensuring they stay sharp, strong, and ready to represent Great Britain with pride on the international stage.

2025 Trials Day. 1st February 2025, Team GB held the annual trials day for the U16s, U19s, Ladies and Veterans squads, hosted at the UK's heart of tournament Supair Paintball; CPPS Paintball, Penkridge, ST195PH. With well over 40 attendees trying out for the squads, along with the help of the team of coaches, they were able to squeeze everything into the day to pick from the top talent of the groups. 

GB Head Coach; Jim McGowan of The Lucky 15s NXLE Pro Team, ran the day and was a huge success. 

The squads were announced earlier in the year. Starting off with the GB Ladies Squad, with Kelvin Gaffney of Manchester Firm coaching them again this year. Kelvin made a huge impact to the squads performance last year, leading them to an outstanding 3rd place overall! Does he have what it takes to do it again this year? Let's hope so! 

This year, Team GB Ladies consists of Leanne McDonagh, Leah Greenhalgh, Llúcia Wood, Claire Wenden, Magan Gill-Attwal, Gemma Harris and Amber Fennell.

Moving onto the GB Veterans Squad. The veterans category in the Nations Cup consists of any players over the age of 40 years old, but that comes with a whole lot of experience from these elite players, decades combined. Jason Ebdon of Sandbaggers has taken on the coaching role for the squad again this year. Can he bring back some silverware with this full squad of pure talent? 

This year, Team GB Veterans consists of Stuart Hughes, Stephen Giles, Tommy Webb, Edward Lowe, John Atkins, Alan Maker and Nick Oppersdorff. 

Next, we have the Under 19s category, a group of young lads, but don't be fooled, some of which have some serious experience behind them. With Matt Schmidt of London Attrition NXLE Pro Team coaching the squad again this year, they stand a good chance to place on the podium against the other countries they face. 

This year, Team GB Under 19s consists of Aidan Noon, Alex Ellwood, Jack Burgess, Connor Alcock, Lewis Atherton, Isaac Hoyles and Harry Schmidt. 

And finally, we have the GB Under 16s Squad. The Under 16s is the latest addition to the Team GB Paintball squads, 2024 being the first time we had ever fielded a group of under 16s! Thanks to Leon Gobourn taking a huge leap of faith offering to set up and organise the squad himself, taking most of the responsibility for what happens with the team; purely to give the youngest lads in the UK paintball community the opportunity to represent their country at an even younger age! 

This year, Team GB Under 16s consists of Taylor Gallagher, Mitchell Wayte, Charlie Prickett, Beauan Parker, and Ethan Quayle. 

Alongside Leon managing the squad, he requested for our very own Jamie Ellwood of London Attrition NXLE Pro Team, and our very own social media guru at Just Paintball UK, to take on the journey with him to help coach the Under 16s squad leading into the Nations Cup in August 2024. The Under 16s squad taken 4th Place out of 10 teams on their first ever outing as a team! Jamie and Leon will be working together even harder this time to get the squad onto that podium finish, with a couple of new additions to the roster this year!

Destination Dreux: The 2025 European Championships

This August, the eyes of European paintball will turn to Dreux, France, as Team GB heads into the 2025 European Paintball Championships. It’s not just another tournament—it’s the biggest stage in European competitive paintball, and GB is going in hot.

The squad has been grinding for months, honing tactics, pushing fitness, and building chemistry. And they’re not doing it alone.

Backing the Red, White & Blue: Just Paintball UK

We’re proud to say that Just Paintball UK is once again a PLATINUM sponsor of Team GB in 2025. The continued support means more than just logos on gear—it means real backing for real athletes.

If you’re lucky enough to don the GB jersey, you’ll gain exclusive discounts and deals at our Just Paintball UK online store and at any CPPS (Central Premier Paintball Series) events throughout the year. Gear up like the pros, train like the pros, and compete with the very best.

Support the 2025 Squad – They’re Playing for All of Us

As they head to Dreux this summer, let’s show the 2025 team what the UK is made of. Follow their journey, cheer them on, and let your support echo from the sidelines to the podium.

Follow updates, share their wins, and wear your colours proud. Because when Team GB Paintball takes the field, we all play together.

So Why Should YOU Try Out for Team GB in 2026?

Because there's nothing like it.

Being a part of Team GB isn’t just about the medals or matches—it’s about camaraderie, national pride, and the raw thrill of pushing your limits with like-minded teammates. You’ll grow as a player, but more importantly, you’ll grow as a person.

Whether you're 14 or 40, dreaming big or just starting out—this is your sign.

Train hard. Show up. Try out. Team GB 2026 could have your name on it.