Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Berkshire Youth Football League serves as a cornerstone for youth football development across the Berkshire region, providing organized competition for various age groups from 7-a-side to 11-a-side formats. The league recently announced Kings Academy Prospect in Tilehurst, Reading as their new venue, expanding opportunities for young players throughout the area. This central location will help facilitate matches and tournaments for teams across the county.
With preparations underway for the 2025/26 season, the league continues to attract interested teams looking to participate in home and away competitions. The BYFL maintains an active social media presence with over 1,400 followers, helping to foster community engagement and provide important updates to players, coaches, and parents alike.
Local clubs like AFC Whitchurch, Caversham AFC Dragons, Centre Skills Diamond, Maidenhead Boys & Girls Dragons, and Pangbourne Youth Panthers represent just a small sample of the diverse youth football community participating in the league. These organizations contribute to the vibrant sporting culture that makes the Berkshire Youth Football League a valuable resource for young athletes developing their skills and passion for the game.
History
The Berkshire Youth Football League has a rich history of promoting youth football in the Berkshire region. Founded as a platform for young players to develop their skills and foster a love for the game, the league has grown significantly over the years.
In 2009, the East Berks Youth Football League (EBYFL) achieved a notable milestone by becoming the first league in the County to be awarded the status of FA Charter Standard League, showing the region's commitment to quality youth football development.
The league has seen impressive engagement over time, as evidenced by its hit counter reaching over 4 million visits, demonstrating its popularity and importance to the local community.
While not directly related to the Berkshire Youth Football League, it's worth noting that youth football has deep roots in the region. For instance, the Chargers organization, which began in 1967 through the efforts of Bernie Frick, Pete Troiano, Ed Smith, Tom Teggi, and Art Coons, shows the longstanding tradition of organized youth football in the area.
Football has always been a significant cultural element in Berkshire County, with high school and youth football leagues drawing substantial community support and participation throughout the decades.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Berkshire Youth Football League organizes competitions across multiple age groups, providing structured football opportunities for young players throughout Berkshire. The league caters to children from Under-7 (U7) through to Under-13 (U13) age categories.
For the youngest participants, the U7 category features several sections. These are typically divided into Sections A, B, C, D, E, and F, allowing for appropriate competitive balance between teams of similar abilities.
U8 divisions follow a similar structure, with multiple sections to accommodate varying skill levels. This progressive approach helps young players develop at a pace suitable for their abilities.
The league continues through U9, U10, U11, and U12 age groups, each with their own divisional structures. By U13, players participate in more formalized competition formats.
Notably, the U13 age group consists of three divisions playing 11-a-side football. Players in this category must be in school years 7 or 8, marking the transition to the full-sided game.
The league also offers summer divisions for certain age groups, particularly at U7 level, providing year-round playing opportunities for younger participants.
For the 2024/25 season, the league has announced available spaces across several age groups for teams interested in joining the competition.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Berkshire Youth Football League is managed by a dedicated team of individuals who ensure the smooth operation of youth football activities across Berkshire. Brian Landquist serves as the Commissioner and can be reached at 413-281-0279 for league-related inquiries.
Al Brodeur holds the position of Assistant Commissioner, working alongside Brian to oversee league operations and development. For financial matters, Dan Hogan acts as Treasurer and can be contacted at 413-822-9527.
Pat Filiault completes the core administrative team as Secretary, handling documentation and communication needs for the league. This leadership structure ensures proper management across all aspects of youth football in the region.
For teams interested in joining the league for the 2024/25 season, contact Matthew Eggleton directly via email at Matthew.eggleton@byfl.uk. The league currently has spaces available across several age groups for the upcoming season.
The committee works diligently to organize matches, coordinate team registrations, and ensure that youth players have positive sporting experiences. Parents and coaches can reach out to any of these officials with questions about participation, rules, or scheduling.
Teams
The Berkshire Youth Football League (BYFL) features various teams across different age groups. Teams like Woodley Wanderers and Youth U12 Tigers have demonstrated strong performance in recent competitions.
Pangbourne Youth U12 Panthers also compete in the league with a solid record. The league structure allows teams to develop skills while engaging in competitive matches throughout the season.
Teams interested in joining the 2025/26 home and away league can express their interest through official channels. The BYFL maintains an organized approach to team registration and league participation.
Some teams are organized by location, creating natural rivalries and community connections. This geographic distribution helps foster local support and team identity.
The league accommodates different divisions to ensure appropriate competition levels. This tiered approach allows teams to compete against others of similar skill and experience.
Team standings are regularly updated, with points awarded for wins and draws. Current standings show Woodley Wanderers and Youth U12 Tigers holding a strong position with 3 wins from 4 games.
For the upcoming 2025/26 season, the league is actively reaching out to potential new teams. This expansion reflects the growing popularity of youth football in Berkshire.
Players
The Berkshire Youth Football League (BYFL) provides opportunities for young footballers across the Berkshire region to develop their skills and passion for the game. Players typically range from under-7s to under-18s, with teams organized according to age groups.
Registration for players usually opens before the season starts, with many clubs holding trials during summer months. Each club in the league maintains its own roster of players, with team sizes varying according to age group regulations.
Players in the BYFL must adhere to strict eligibility requirements regarding age and residency. Most participants come from local communities across Berkshire, creating a strong sense of local pride and healthy competition.
The league actively promotes player development rather than focusing solely on competitive results. This approach helps young players build technical skills, tactical understanding, and sportsmanship.
According to social media sources, clubs in the league frequently post announcements seeking new players to join their teams. These recruitment efforts ensure that opportunities remain available for youth across the region.
Players participate in regular fixtures throughout the season, with matches typically held on weekends. The league structure allows young footballers to experience competitive play in a supportive environment.
The BYFL emphasizes respect and good conduct from all participants. Players are expected to demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship during matches, contributing to a positive atmosphere for youth development.
