Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Ashford and District Youth Football League stands as a cornerstone of youth sports in the Ashford area, serving children and teenagers from 6 to 18 years old. The league provides structured football opportunities for young players while emphasizing the importance of respect and proper conduct both on and off the pitch. With comprehensive resources for teams, officials, and parents, the organization maintains clear communication channels through regularly updated news, fixtures, and results.
Currently in its 2024/25 season, the league operates with a dedicated committee overseeing all activities. The organization's commitment to youth development extends beyond just matches, with careful attention paid to welfare concerns and referee support. Their extensive reach is evidenced by an impressive hit counter exceeding 1.4 million visits, demonstrating the community's active engagement with youth football in the district.
History
The Ashford and District Youth Football League was founded in 1972 by a group of local football enthusiasts. What began as a small organization with just a few teams has grown significantly over the decades.
The league falls under the jurisdiction of the Kent County Football Association, which was established in October 1881. This connection provides the youth league with a strong footballing heritage in the region.
Today, the league features multiple age groups and divisions. Teams like Mersham Sports Club, South Ashford, Park Farm Rangers, and Kennington Juniors compete in various youth categories.
The league has become an important development platform for young players in the Ashford area. It offers structured competition that helps nurture talent and promote the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.
Over the years, the league has adapted to changing requirements in youth football while maintaining its community focus. Its longevity demonstrates the strong football culture present in the Ashford district.
The league remains an integral part of the local sports community, connecting generations of players through their shared passion for the beautiful game.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Ashford and District Youth Football League organizes youth football across multiple age groups, providing structured competition for young players at various stages of development. The league accommodates players from U7 (under 7) through to U18 (under 18).
The primary age categories include U7, U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18. Each age group ensures players compete against others of similar physical development and skill level.
Within most age groups, the league employs a divisional structure to ensure competitive balance. These divisions often carry geographic or thematic names such as Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, and Southern.
For example, the U8 age group features multiple divisions including Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern. Similarly, the U9 category includes Arctic and Atlantic divisions among others.
The U15 age group appears to have specific divisional structures, including a U15 Pacific division. This tiered approach helps maintain competitive balance while providing appropriate challenges for teams of varying abilities.
Division placement typically reflects team strength, allowing for more evenly matched competitions throughout the season. This structure promotes player development by ensuring games are challenging yet achievable.
Many youth leagues nationally are moving toward age-based structures, with approximately 75-80% following this model rather than combined age-weight classifications.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Ashford and District Youth Football League is managed by a dedicated committee for the 2024/25 season. Steve Rollings serves as Chairman, with Martin Bagshaw taking the role of Vice Chairman. Colin Hallybone oversees financial matters as Treasurer, while Nancy Cooke fulfills the essential Secretary position.
For official league correspondence, Nancy Cooke can be contacted via email at n.cook30@yahoo.com. This contact information is particularly valuable for clubs needing to communicate with league administration.
The league maintains comprehensive contact lists for various stakeholders. These include a Managers Contact List featuring details and kit colors for all age groups from U7 to U18, and a separate Referee Contact List.
Club secretaries and Child Welfare Officers (CWOs) also have their contact information compiled in an accessible format. The league requests prompt notification of any changes to these details to maintain accurate records.
For match day and fixture inquiries, additional contacts may be available through the league's official channels. The ADYFL Calendar provides important dates for the 2024/25 season, helping teams plan their participation throughout the year.
Teams
The Ashford and District Youth Football League features numerous youth football teams across various age groups. According to available data, the league currently hosts 264 teams in different divisions.
Teams in the league compete in structured formats with regular fixtures and results tracking. Notable teams in the U13 division include Mersham Sports Club U13, South Ashford U13, Park Farm Rangers U13, and Kennington Juniors U13 Youth.
The league's organization extends to multiple age categories, with U16 teams such as Hastings Wanderers U16, Beckley Rangers U16 Bulls, and Hythe Town Youth U16 Colts actively participating in competitive matches.
Youth development is a key focus, with teams starting from younger age groups like the U12 division. The Pacific division at the U12 level represents one of the structured competitive groups within the league's framework.
Teams participate in scheduled fixtures throughout the season, with results and standings carefully recorded to maintain fair competition. The league structure allows teams to develop their skills while competing against others of similar ability.
Local sports clubs form the backbone of the league, providing opportunities for young players to engage in organized football. Each team represents their local community or club, fostering both competitive spirit and community pride.
Players
Youth football leagues prioritize player development and enjoyment above all else. The Ashford and District Youth Football League follows this philosophy, creating opportunities for young footballers throughout the region.
For safeguarding purposes, youth players' names are no longer publicly displayed in league documentation. This important protective measure ensures young athletes can participate safely while still enjoying competitive football.
The league encompasses numerous age groups, allowing players to develop their skills alongside peers of similar physical and technical abilities. Teams typically practice weekly and compete in weekend fixtures throughout the season.
Player registration occurs before each season, with clubs handling the administrative processes. Parents or guardians must complete the necessary documentation before young players can participate in official league matches.
Many teams in the Ashford and District Youth Football League maintain a strong focus on skill development rather than solely emphasizing match results. This approach helps young players build fundamental techniques that will serve them throughout their football journey.
Football associations provide guidelines for appropriate playing time, ensuring all registered youth players receive fair opportunities to participate. This inclusive approach stands as a cornerstone of youth football philosophy.
