Local teen crowned Miss Merseyside 2026 and reaches the Grand Final of Miss Teen Great Britain 2026

ZUZANNA Smolen, from Newton-Le-Willows in Merseyside, has been crowned Miss Merseyside 2026 and has secured her place in the Grand Final of Miss Teen Great Britain.

A student at Rainhill High School, Zuzanna successfully balances her studies with an intensive training schedule. Sport plays a major role in her life. She has been playing football for many years as a goalkeeper and also takes part in development programmes and academies working alongside the English Football Association.

Her dedication, discipline and excellent understanding of the game have recently been recognised with another important achievement. Zuzanna has officially gained her FA (Football Association) refereeing qualification and is now an official football referee.

Outside of football, Zuzanna is also passionate about horse riding. Not only does she ride horses, but she also volunteers at a local stable, where she helps with the daily care of the animals. Her duties include cleaning stables, grooming and washing horses, and assisting with everyday tasks around the yard.

As she explains, spending time with horses teaches her patience, responsibility and humility, while working at the stables provides a welcome break from the pace of everyday life.

In recent months, Zuzanna has also become increasingly involved in community and charitable work. In recognition of her commitment to helping others, she was appointed a Young Local Heroes (5AM Heroes) Ambassador, a role that celebrates young people making a positive difference in their communities.

She recently helped organise a fundraising campaign for a seriously ill woman from Liverpool. Zuzanna prepared donation tins and baked cakes and sweet treats, which she sold during the event, with all proceeds going towards supporting medical treatment.

This is not the only charitable initiative she has been involved in. Zuzanna also prepared care packages and gifts for girls living in a children's home, showing that helping others is just as important to her as her sporting and pageant achievements.

Competition during the semi-final stage of Miss Teen Great Britain was extremely strong, making her progression to the Grand Final a significant achievement. Zuzanna earned her place among the country's top contestants, demonstrating her determination, confidence and ability to stand out among hundreds of applicants.

Speaking about her success, Zuzanna said:- "I am incredibly proud to have won the Miss Merseyside title and to represent my Region in the Grand Final. It motivates me to keep working hard, developing myself and never giving up on my dreams."

The Miss Teen Great Britain 2026 Grand Final will take place in October 2026 at the Globe Theatre in Blackpool. Finalists will take part in a packed weekend of activities, including rehearsals, workshops, social events, the Beauty Queen Challenge Day and the official Pyjama Diva Party.

Zuzanna says that reaching the final itself is already a huge honour:- "I am very happy to be in the final and to represent our region. I simply want to do my best and enjoy every moment of this experience."

Zuzanna would also like to thank her sponsors, who are supporting her and helping her prepare for the Miss Teen Great Britain 2026 Grand Final.

The companies sponsoring Zuzanna are:- Mad Nails Studio (Pazurzanka to St Helens), Sylvia Aesthetic Trichology Therapy and Royal Hair Beata.

For further information about Miss Teen Great Britain, please visit this website.