Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Accrington & District Junior Football League stands as a cornerstone of youth football in the region since its establishment in 1958. With approximately 70 clubs and over 250 teams participating from Under 7 to Under 18 age groups, the league provides structured competition for thousands of young players developing their skills and passion for the beautiful game.
The ADJFL offers organized football league games for grassroots clubs and teams across multiple age categories, creating valuable sporting opportunities for children and teenagers throughout the district. The league features teams like AFC Wolves, Barrowford Celtic Warriors, and various Blackburn Eagles squads competing in a supportive environment designed to nurture talent and foster sportsmanship.
For the 2024/2025 playing season, the league continues its long tradition of youth football development, welcoming new clubs interested in joining the competition. The ADJFL's commitment to grassroots football has made it an essential institution for youth sports in the Accrington area, providing a framework where young athletes can grow both as players and individuals.
History
The Accrington & District Junior Football League was established in 1958, originally known as the Accrington & District Boys Football League. This grassroots organization has been a cornerstone of youth football in the Accrington area for over 67 years.
The league primarily operates as a Saturday morning competition, providing opportunities for young players to develop their skills and enjoy the sport in a structured environment. Since its founding, the league has maintained its focus on junior grassroots football.
Based in Accrington, Lancashire, the league has served generations of young footballers throughout its long history. The organization has evolved over the decades while maintaining its commitment to youth development.
The league represents an important part of the local sporting community, having hosted thousands of matches since its inception. Throughout its history, the ADJFL has helped nurture talent and promote the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.
While maintaining its traditional roots in Accrington, the league has adapted to changes in youth football over the decades. Its longevity speaks to the dedicated volunteers, coaches, and administrators who have supported the organization since 1958.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Accrington & District Junior Football League provides organized competition across multiple age groups, spanning from Under-7s to Under-18s. This comprehensive structure allows for continuous player development throughout childhood and adolescence.
Each age group is carefully organized into appropriate divisions based on team numbers and competitive balance. The youngest participants (U7-U11) focus primarily on skill development and enjoyment of the game.
For the Under-12s, the league offers more structured competition with divisions like "U12S BLACK - PART A," providing appropriate competitive environments as players develop. This organization ensures matches remain challenging yet suitable for each team's ability level.
The league currently serves over 100 member clubs, creating a robust community of youth football across the Accrington district. Matches typically take place on Saturday mornings, providing a consistent schedule for players, coaches, and families.
Since its establishment in 1958, the league has maintained this age-group structure to support grassroots football development. The progression from U7 through U18 creates a clear pathway for young players to develop their skills over multiple seasons.
Clubs interested in joining the league for the 2024/2025 playing season can contact the League Secretary for information about placing teams in appropriate age groups and divisions.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Accrington & District Junior Football League, established in 1958, has an Executive Committee that manages league operations. Committee members can be contacted through various means, but members should note that contact after 8pm is not permitted.
For general inquiries, the league secretary, Gareth Cross, can be reached at 07800768523 or via email at secretary@adjfl.uk. The league is based in Accrington and maintains an official website at https://www.adjfl.uk.
The league is currently seeking new members to join its Executive Committee. This presents an opportunity for those interested in contributing to grassroots football development in the Accrington area.
Complete contact details and images (where applicable) of all committee members are available on the league's website. The committee oversees organized football league games for grassroots clubs and teams from Under 7s through to Under 18s.
For specific inquiries or information about joining the league, interested parties are encouraged to use the contact details provided above or send a message through the league's official website.
Teams
The Accrington & District Junior Football League boasts a diverse range of youth football teams throughout Lancashire. Established in 1958, the league currently hosts approximately 70 clubs with over 250 teams competing across age groups from Under 7 to Under 18.
Among the participating clubs are several well-established local teams that serve their communities' young footballers. These include AFC Wolves (with both Blue and Red teams at U7 level), Barrowford Celtic (White and Yellow teams), and Blackburn Eagles FC.
Other notable clubs participating in the league include:
- Burnley Belvedere (Reds)
- Clitheroe Wolves (Green and Red teams)
- Fulledge Colts (Blue and Red teams)
- Globe Bullough Park FC
- Huncoat United
The league organizes competitive matches throughout the season, providing structured development opportunities for youth players across different age brackets. Teams typically compete against others in their respective age groups, fostering both skill development and sportsmanship.
Many clubs field multiple teams across various age categories, allowing for progression as players develop. This tiered approach helps ensure appropriate competitive levels for players of different abilities and experience levels.
The league serves as an important grassroots football development platform in East Lancashire, with teams representing towns and communities throughout the region.
Players
The Accrington & District Junior Football League provides opportunities for young footballers across a wide age range. The league accommodates players from Under 7 to Under 18 age groups, fostering youth development in football.
With approximately 70 clubs participating, the league supports over 250 teams. This creates opportunities for numerous young players to engage in regular competitive matches and develop their skills.
The league operates within a 20-mile radius of Accrington, serving communities throughout the area. Saturday mornings are the primary match days, giving young players a consistent schedule for their football activities.
Players benefit from a structured league system that has been established since 1958. This long-standing organization provides stability and tradition for young footballers in the region.
The league connects with county FA resources to support player development and registration. This ensures players receive appropriate oversight and opportunities to progress in their football journey.
For many young players, the league serves as an introduction to organized football. Teams across different age groups allow for appropriate competitive environments as players grow and develop their skills.
Players can track their team's fixtures, results, and standings through the league's online presence. This digital support enhances the experience for participants and helps them stay engaged with their team's progress.
