End of Season Review: 25/26

Friday 15th May 2026

Burnham Football Club concludes the 2025/26 season in 5th place, securing a well-earned play-off position before narrowly missing out on the final following a 1–0 defeat away to Windsor & Eton FC.

Across 38 league fixtures, our young squad accumulated an impressive 71 points, scoring 68 goals and losing just nine matches throughout the campaign. It represents a tremendous collective effort and one that everyone connected with the club can be proud of.

A key part of that success has been the team’s attacking contribution throughout the season. Leading the way was Shyon Dennis with an outstanding 22 goals, closely followed by Jordan Brown with 19. Youssef Bouimane added 8, while Jordan Ikala contributed 7. Sandro Camara and Rafael Bertoli also played important roles, finishing the season with 5 and 4 goals respectively. This spread of goals highlights the strength and depth within the squad.

At the other end of the pitch, equal credit must go to goalkeeper Archie Cunningham, whose performances and clean sheet record have been vital to the team’s success this season. His consistency between the posts has provided a strong foundation, supported by a committed defensive unit and hardworking midfield players who have protected, battled and contributed throughout the campaign. Their collective efforts have been just as important in achieving the club’s strong league position.

The club’s annual awards also recognised a number of outstanding individual contributions across the season. Shyon Dennis finished the campaign as Burnham FC’s Top Goalscorer and also collected Goal of the Season for his strike at home against Holyport. Jordan Brown was awarded the Committee’s Player of the Season, while goalkeeper Archie Cunningham received the Fans’ Player of the Season award after a series of consistently impressive performances and clean sheets between the posts. Young Player of the Season was awarded to Rafael Bertoli in recognition of his development and contribution throughout the campaign. The management team selected Yahaya Kamara as Manager’s Player of the Season, while Zak Otoo earned the respect of his teammates by being voted the Players’ Player of the Season. These awards reflect not only individual quality, but also the togetherness, commitment and character shown throughout the squad during the 2025/26 season.

This season marked the first full campaign in charge for First Team Managers Mo and Omar Bakali. Alongside Assistant Manager Gilbaut Batousol and coaching staff Darius Ellington-Forde and Ghabriel Teles, they have made a significant and positive impact both on and off the pitch. Together, they have built strong foundations that the club can continue to develop in the seasons ahead.

As with any campaign, there were challenges along the way. Injuries inevitably played their part, while a three-week gap between fixtures at a crucial stage of the season tested momentum. However, these moments have only strengthened the group’s resilience and determination to continue progressing.

The squad has consistently demonstrated quality, character and a genuine desire to improve. A strong sense of togetherness has developed, creating bonds that will endure beyond this season. As is natural in football, there will be changes over the summer, and we wish those moving on every success in their next chapter. At the same time, Burnham remains a platform for ambitious players, with a proud recent track record of supporting individuals such as Ethan Light, Jaiden Celestine-Charles and Bright Siaw on their journeys into the professional game.

Our supporters remain at the heart of everything we do. The backing we have received throughout the season has been invaluable. There have been highs and lows, excitement and frustration—but that is the essence of non-league football. We thank everyone who has supported the team this season and look forward to welcoming you back for pre-season and beyond.

We are also grateful for the continued commitment of our partners. Brooklyns Financial and Brooklyns Residential have agreed a further two-year kit sponsorship, meaning a new home and away kit will be unveiled ahead of next season. Once again, Serious Sport will bring these designs to life, with more details to follow soon.

Our thanks also go to Richard Barber and Gavin Little of NexGen Electrical Innovations for their ongoing support as Match Day Sponsors, and to Curry Crush for continuing to provide post-match meals for the players and staff. The contribution of all our sponsors and advertisers is hugely appreciated across the club.

Looking across the wider club, our Under 18s, led by Tom Guy and Jack Woodley, have shown great commitment throughout the season, balancing football alongside important academic responsibilities. Competing in the Allied Counties Youth Football League, they secured a 9th place finish against strong opposition including Slough Town, Windsor & Eton, Abbey Rangers, Wokingham Town and Holyport. Congratulations to Camberley Town on winning the league.

Both of our Under 16s sides have also completed their campaigns and will now look ahead to the next stage of their development. Manager Ian Sharpe and Assistant Anton Russell are already preparing for next season and are welcoming interest from prospective Under 17 players and those looking to support the coaching team.

The 1878 Stadium will remain busy over the coming weeks, hosting Thames Valley Sunday League Cup Finals every Friday evening through May. Supporters are encouraged to follow our social channels for matchday information.

Pre-season preparations will begin at the end of June, with a programme of fixtures scheduled throughout July as the squad builds towards the 2026/27 season. Further details will be announced in due course.

Finally, a sincere thank you to everyone who contributes to the running of Burnham Football Club. From the club’s behind-the-scenes management and administration team, to the volunteers and supporters who give their time on matchdays—your efforts do not go unnoticed and are vital to everything we achieve.

We now take a short break, before returning refreshed and ready for the season ahead.

Up the Burners!

Paul Butler

Director, Media & Marketing

Burnham Football Club