Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Barnet Sunday Football League (BSFL) has been a cornerstone of grassroots football in North London since 1966. Spanning across Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Camden, and parts of Hertfordshire, this established league continues to foster competitive amateur football every Sunday morning.
The BSFL maintains a rich tradition while striving to raise standards in local football, with matches typically kicking off at 10:30 am across the region. The Premier Division sits at the top of the league's structure, with a full complement of divisions providing opportunities for teams of various skill levels to compete throughout the season.
The league has produced remarkable talent over the years, with notable records including Andy Poyiadiz's impressive achievement as the all-time top goalscorer with 237 goals, a record that has stood since the 2013/14 season. This historical depth combined with ongoing competition makes the BSFL one of London's most respected Sunday football institutions.
History
The Barnet Sunday Football League (BSFL) was established in 1966, making it one of London's longest-running Sunday football competitions. For nearly six decades, the league has provided competitive football opportunities for clubs across North London.
Since its formation, BSFL has operated under the governance of the Football Association. This official recognition came as part of a broader movement in England where Sunday leagues were formally brought under FA oversight beginning in 1964.
The league represents an important part of grassroots football in the Barnet area. While distinct from Barnet FC (founded in 1888), both entities contribute to the rich football heritage of the region.
BSFL has maintained a steady presence in the community, offering organized competition for adult, junior, and youth teams. The league structure has evolved over the years to accommodate changing participation levels and competitive standards.
Throughout its history, the BSFL has focused on raising and maintaining high standards of play. This commitment reflects its mission to provide well-organized football that balances competitive spirit with sporting values.
The league continues to serve as a vital weekend football outlet for numerous clubs and players, carrying forward a tradition that spans generations of North London footballers.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Barnet Sunday Football League (BSFL) features a structured divisional system that accommodates different age groups and skill levels. The league primarily focuses on open age football for adults, while also offering veterans competitions for older players.
The open age category forms the backbone of the BSFL, providing competitive football for adult teams across multiple divisions. These divisions follow a hierarchical structure with promotion and relegation between seasons.
At the top sits the Premier Division, representing the highest level of competition within the league. Below this is the Championship, followed by Division One through Division Five, creating a comprehensive pyramid structure.
For the 2024-25 season, the BSFL continues to maintain this multi-tiered approach. Teams are placed in appropriate divisions based on their performance in previous seasons, ensuring competitive balance across all levels.
Veterans football caters specifically to older players who wish to continue competing. This age group has its own dedicated competition structure within the BSFL framework.
The league operates under Football Association guidelines, as it has done since 1964 when Sunday Leagues came under FA jurisdiction. This affiliation ensures all competitions follow standardized rules and regulations.
BSFL clubs have the opportunity to participate in various cup competitions alongside their league fixtures, adding another dimension to the competitive structure.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Barnet Sunday Football League (BSFL) is managed by a dedicated committee of volunteers who oversee various aspects of league operations. The current committee includes several key positions that ensure the smooth running of league activities.
Jack Koushi serves as the Assistant Registrations Secretary, handling player registrations and related documentation. Adam Shahein holds the position of Assistant Fines & Discipline Secretary, managing disciplinary matters and financial penalties.
Soheil works as the Design and Website Developer for the league, maintaining the BSFL's online presence and communication platforms.
Other committee members include John Eager and Chris Bodell, who receive support from Harry Cowell, Bill Cane, John Noblemunn, and Serdar Sari. These individuals contribute to various aspects of league management and organization.
For specific inquiries, the BSFL encourages clubs and players to contact the relevant committee member directly. The league provides a contact form on their website for general inquiries as well as specific forms for targeted questions.
The committee works year-round to organize fixtures, handle registrations, manage disciplinary issues, and ensure that the league operates according to established regulations and standards.
Teams
The Barnet Sunday Football League (BSFL) features a diverse array of teams competing across multiple divisions. Based on recent information, the league has approximately 93 teams playing in 11 divisions, creating a vibrant football community in the Barnet area.
Notable teams in the league include Mill Hill Club de Futbol, The Wrongens, and Highgate Albion. AFTV FC, affiliated with the popular Arsenal fan channel, also participates in the competition.
Some other active clubs in the BSFL include:
- AFC Rose
- Enfield United FC
- Gospel Oak FC
- Komi Kebir
- Anatolians
- N Twentyone FC
The league also has specific veteran divisions where teams like FC Shebu Oldstars Vets, West London Casuals Vets, West London Vets, and Ivy Leaf Dolphin Vets compete against each other.
Recent achievements include N Twentyone FC winning Division Six. They secured the title by avoiding defeat against AFC in a crucial match.
Other clubs in the extensive BSFL roster include:
- AC Finchley
- AFC Edmonton
- AFC Muswell Hill
- Armenian Youth Association FC
- Arnos Rangers Football Club
The diversity of teams ensures competitive matches across all divisions, from the top tier down to Division Six and beyond. The league continues to foster local talent and provide a platform for football enthusiasts in the Barnet area.
Players
The Barnet Sunday Football League (BSFL) boasts numerous talented players across its various divisions. Competition within the league has fostered the development of skilled footballers since its establishment in 1966.
According to recent data, thirty players have achieved the impressive milestone of scoring over 50 goals while playing in the BSFL. This demonstrates the high level of attacking talent present in the league.
One standout player is Villaveli Caesar from the Sopranos team, who has accumulated 92 goals. Caesar is currently the closest player to joining what appears to be the league's 100-goal club, a prestigious achievement in Sunday league football.
The league recognizes exceptional performances through its Team of the Season awards. For the 2023/24 season, outstanding players were selected based on their remarkable performances throughout the campaign.
Player statistics are carefully tracked across the league, allowing for recognition of top scorers and consistent performers. This data-driven approach helps maintain competitive standards and provides players with tangible goals to strive for.
Many players have built respected reputations within the Barnet football community through their consistent performances in the BSFL. Local rivalries and standout individual performances have become part of the league's rich history.
