Prague Raptors Reach New Heights with Historic Double Promotion
Women’s A Team Reach Czech First League as Men’s A Team Earn Promotion to the Prague Championship
Prague, Czech Republic — Prague Raptors Football Club is celebrating the greatest achievement in its history after both the Women’s A Team and Men’s A Team secured promotion during a landmark season for the club.
Under the leadership of Lucie Martínková and Kim Grant, Prague Raptors achieved a historic double promotion, with the Women’s A Team earning a place in the Czech Women’s First League and the Men’s A Team securing promotion to the Prague Championship (Pražský přebor), the fifth tier of Czech football.
The Women’s A Team became the first side in Prague Raptors history to reach the top division of Czech football, while the Men’s A Team secured promotion to the highest level ever reached by the club’s men’s programme.
Founded in 2017, Prague Raptors has grown from an ambitious grassroots project into one of the most distinctive football clubs in Europe. Built around inclusion, diversity and community, the club brings together players, coaches and volunteers from more than 55 nationalities, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to compete, develop and belong through football.
The Women’s A Team, led by former Czech international Lucie Martínková and captained by Tereza Vytlačilová, secured promotion to the Czech Women’s First League after a remarkable campaign that culminated in a title-clinching victory. Goals from Nela Houbová, Zora Obertová, Hana Vávrová and Stella Balázsová sealed the championship and confirmed the club’s place in the top tier of Czech women’s football for the first time in its history.
The achievement represents a major milestone not only for Prague Raptors but also for the continued growth of women’s football in Prague. Reaching the First League places the club among the elite sides in Czech women’s football and marks the culmination of years of dedication from players, coaches and supporters across the club.
On the men’s side, Kim Grant guided Prague Raptors to promotion to the Prague Championship after a dramatic two-legged playoff victory over higher-division side SK Slovan Kunratice. The Raptors took a crucial advantage in the first leg through a goal from American striker Galen Westervelt before Italian winger Andrea Rizzi and German defender Max Scherer found the net in the return match to complete a memorable aggregate triumph.
Promotion to the Prague Championship marks the highest level the Men’s A Team has reached in the club’s history and represents another significant step in the Raptors’ rise through the Czech football pyramid.
The success of both teams reflects the club’s long-term commitment to player development, ambitious football and community building. Captains Chris O’Dowd and Tereza Vytlačilová have led their respective squads with distinction throughout the season, helping create the culture and standards that have driven both teams to promotion.
The stories of both promotions reflected the very character of Prague Raptors. The decisive goals that secured these historic achievements came from players representing multiple nations and backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to the club’s values and ambition. It was a fitting outcome for a club that has built its identity around inclusion, opportunity and the belief that football can bring people together.
The double promotion is also part of a broader period of growth for Prague Raptors. Alongside the success of its Men’s and Women’s A Teams, the club’s Men’s B Team and Women’s B Team continue to develop and will be targeting promotion in their respective competitions next season. The club is also expanding its academy structure with the addition of new Under-13 Girls and Under-19 Boys teams ahead of the new season.
From its youngest players taking their first steps in football to its senior teams competing for promotion, Prague Raptors now provides a pathway for players aged 5 to 18 and beyond. The continued growth of the academy reflects the club’s long-term commitment to developing players, building community and creating opportunities at every level of the game.
As Prague Raptors prepares for life in higher divisions, the club remains committed to its founding principles while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter in its development. With two promoted first teams, ambitious reserve sides and a rapidly expanding academy, the future has never looked brighter for the Raptors.
