Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
Bedfordshire Football Association organizes various recreational football competitions for players across the county. These competitions cater to different age groups and formats, including veterans' matches, futsal leagues, and summer leagues. The Bedfordshire FA manages several cup competitions including the Senior Cup, Women's Senior Cup, Senior Trophy, Women's Junior Cup, Intermediate Challenge Cup, and Junior Challenge Cup.
The association continues to evolve with the changing landscape of football in England. Recent announcements indicate changes to youth football starting in the 2026-27 season, with specific emphasis on 3v3 football formats. These modifications aim to improve player development and increase participation across all levels.
Recreational football in Bedfordshire offers opportunities for workplace competitions, veterans' leagues, and seasonal tournaments that attract thousands of participants each year. The competitions are organized with a focus on respect and fair play, values that are central to the Bedfordshire FA's mission of promoting grassroots football throughout the region.
History
The Bedfordshire Football Association was established in 1894, serving as the governing body for football across the Bedfordshire region. It has overseen local competitions for over a century, providing structure and organization for clubs at various levels.
Bedford & District League, which later evolved into the Bedfordshire County Football League, was formed in 1904. This competition has remained a cornerstone of local football, offering competitive opportunities for teams throughout the county.
Throughout its existence, the Bedfordshire FA has organized numerous cup competitions catering to different age groups and skill levels. These include specialized tournaments like the Beds FA Vets Cup for veteran players and various recreational leagues.
The association has adapted over time to accommodate changing needs in recreational football. Recent developments include the introduction of specialized competitions such as the Workplace Cup and the Cedars 11v11 Summer League.
In 2019, the Bedfordshire Futsal League was established, demonstrating the association's commitment to promoting diverse football formats. This initiative reflects the FA's ongoing efforts to broaden participation across different variations of the sport.
Bedford Town Football Club, formed in 1908, represents one of many clubs that have competed in Bedfordshire FA competitions while achieving success at higher non-league levels.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Bedfordshire FA Recreational Football Competitions cater to various age groups across multiple divisions. The competition structure includes options for different skill levels and age categories.
For youth players, the Bedfordshire Youth Saturday League features age-specific divisions, including U13 Division 1 as mentioned in the search results. Youth competitions follow FA-approved football formats appropriate for each age group.
The adult competitions include several divisions with the Premier Division representing the highest level of play. Entry to this division has specific requirements that teams must meet to participate.
For older players, the Veterans Cup competition is specifically designed for footballers over the age of 35. This provides an opportunity for senior players to continue competitive play in an appropriate age category.
Women's competitions are also available, highlighting the inclusive nature of Bedfordshire FA's football structure.
The organizational structure includes:
Competition Divisions:
- Premier Division (top level)
- Veterans Cup (35+ years)
- Women's competitions
- Youth divisions (including U13)
Seasonal competitions run according to the calendar year, with records available for multiple years (2021-2025). The Cedars 11v11 Summer League represents one of the seasonal competition options.
Special competitions like the #WorkplaceCup and Bedfordshire Futsal League provide alternative formats for participants interested in different styles of play.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Bedfordshire Football Association is led by CEO Alan Young, who oversees the organization's operations and development initiatives across the county. The association's headquarters are located at Peter Newton Pavilion, Skimpot Road, Dunstable LU5 4JU.
For general inquiries and assistance, the Bedfordshire FA can be contacted directly via telephone. Staff members are available during regular business hours to address questions regarding competitions, registrations, and other football-related matters.
Key Personnel:
- CEO: Alan Young
- Chairperson (Army FA): Brigadier Andrew Cox
Bedfordshire County Football League Representative:
- Mr. D. Gauntlett (Shefford Town & Campton FC)
- Email: dangauntlett@virginmedia.com
- Phone: 07584370376
Mr. Gauntlett serves as both the Representative on Bedfordshire FA Council and the League Welfare Officer, providing an important link between the county association and local league operations.
The association maintains a structured committee system to oversee various aspects of recreational football, including competitions, disciplinary matters, and development programs throughout Bedfordshire.
Contact information for specific departments and committee members can be obtained through the main office, allowing clubs and individuals to reach the appropriate personnel for their particular needs or concerns.
Teams
Bedfordshire FA Recreational Football Competitions feature several veterans' teams competing in their leagues. Based on current standings, Warden Hill Vets leads the table with 4 points.
Wootton Blue Cross Vets and Crawley Green Vets are tied with 3 points each, placing them second and third respectively in the standings.
Bedford Town Vets currently has 4 points but sits in fourth position, likely due to goal difference or other tiebreakers.
Biggleswade United Vets is another team in the competition, though their current position isn't specified in the available information.
Recent match results show Warden Hill Vets demonstrating strong form, with a convincing 7-0 victory in their January 27, 2025 match at Wixams AGP.
The teams compete at various venues across Bedfordshire, including Kempston Rovers and Wixams AGP, showcasing the community-based nature of these recreational competitions.
League standings as of March 2025:
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Warden Hill Vets | 4 |
| 2 | Wootton Blue Cross Vets | 3 |
| 3 | Crawley Green Vets | 3 |
| 4 | Bedford Town Vets | 4 |
These veterans' teams represent various communities throughout Bedfordshire, providing competitive football opportunities for older players while maintaining the sporting traditions of the region.
Players
The Bedfordshire FA Recreational Football Competitions feature numerous talented players across various teams and divisions. Based on the search results, teams like Warden Hill Vets and Bedford Town Vets participate in these competitions.
Warden Hill Vets roster includes players such as Jonny Barnet, Nigel Blower, Dean Brill, Leon Cashman, and Matthew Childs. These individuals represent just a portion of the team's squad that competes in the Bedfordshire recreational leagues.
Bedford Town Vets similarly fields a competitive team with players including James Allen, Steve Berringer, Hamid Brioua, Steven Capener, and David (surname not specified). These veterans bring experience and skill to the recreational competitions.
The recreational nature of these competitions makes them accessible to players of various skill levels and ages. Many participants are former professional or semi-professional players who continue to enjoy the sport at a recreational level.
Players in these competitions often develop strong community connections, with many representing their local areas for multiple seasons. The Bedfordshire FA supports these players through organized competitions and recognition programs.
The Bedfordshire FA Awards program acknowledges outstanding players and promotes positive sporting values through initiatives like the Respect Award, which players can be nominated for through the organization's nomination process.
