Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Derby Junior Football League has grown into a thriving organization over the past three decades, now encompassing more than 50 clubs, 360 teams, and over 4,000 young players. This impressive growth reflects the league's commitment to developing youth football in the Derby area and providing opportunities for children to engage in the sport regardless of skill level.
The league offers structured competitions for various age groups, including dedicated arrangements for Under 7s matches played at University of Derby's 3G pitches with scheduled kick-off times throughout the day. For the youngest participants, these matches focus on skill development and enjoyment rather than competitive outcomes, aligning with modern youth football philosophy.
Communication and community form the backbone of the Derby Junior Football League, with active social media presence providing updates on fixtures, results, and events. The league maintains clear rules and guidelines accessible to all members, creating a supportive environment where young footballers can develop both their sporting abilities and personal character through regular participation.
History
The Derby Junior Football League, affectionately known as the "Community League," was established by Derby City Council as a service to children in deprived inner city areas. This initiative aimed to provide organized sporting opportunities for young people who might otherwise lack access to such activities.
For decades, the league has played a crucial role in the local youth football ecosystem. Similar to other youth football organizations in the region, such as the Rowsley & District Youth Football League (now North Derbyshire Youth Football League), it has focused on developing grassroots football for children.
The league operates throughout Derby and surrounding areas, providing competitive matches for various age groups. Its community-focused approach has made it a cornerstone of youth football development in the region.
St. George's Park, the English Football Association's national football center, has connections with the league and youth football development in the area. This relationship helps strengthen the pathway for young players in Derby.
Over the years, the Derby Junior Football League has expanded its reach and influence, adapting to changes in youth football while maintaining its core mission of providing opportunities for children to participate in organized football regardless of background or circumstances.
The league continues to serve thousands of young players each season, maintaining its original purpose of community service through sport.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Derby Junior Football League organizes competitions across multiple age groups, primarily serving youth from Under-7s to Under-12s. According to the search results, the league has been expanding for over 30 years and now encompasses more than 50 clubs and 360 teams.
For the youngest participants, Under-7 and Under-8 divisions operate as "friendly football" without league tables or formal champions. This approach aligns with developmental best practices for children just beginning their football journey.
The league structures its competitions by age group with multiple divisions within each category. For example, the Under-7 age group is divided into several groups including "Euro Soccer - U7 Group 1" through "Group 4" to ensure appropriate competitive balance.
A notable feature of the Derby Junior Football League is its organization of separate competitions for both Saturdays and Sundays when demand is sufficient. This flexible scheduling helps accommodate the large number of participating teams and families.
In addition to the standard age divisions, the league also offers girls-only divisions spanning from Under-7s to Under-16s. This dedicated pathway provides important opportunities for female players to develop their skills in a supportive environment.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Derby Junior Football League (DJFL) is managed by a dedicated committee who oversee its operations. Wayne Jubb serves as the Chairman and can be contacted at chairman@derbyjfl.com or by phone at 07811 182368 (for club secretaries only).
Claire Brandon holds the position of League Secretary and can be reached via secretary@derbyjfl.com. The league also benefits from Stephen Nicks (also listed as Steve Nicks in some sources) who serves as Assistant Secretary, contactable at steve.nicks@derbyjfl.com.
For immediate inquiries regarding pitch playability, the league maintains a dedicated mobile line at 07482 563288. This service helps teams determine if matches can proceed during questionable weather conditions.
It's important to note that while the committee manages the league's operations, they prefer formal communication channels for official inquiries. Social media platforms like the DJFL Facebook group are not intended for rule clarifications, complaints, or questions about league management.
For any official communication or questions regarding the Derby Junior Football League, contacting the appropriate committee member through the provided email addresses is the recommended approach.
Teams
The Derby Junior Football League boasts an impressive roster of teams, with over 360 squads spread across more than 50 clubs. This extensive network provides opportunities for approximately 4,000 young players to participate in organized football.
Several notable teams compete within the league's structure. These include Chesapeake Aztec Warriors, Codnor Sports Lion's, and multiple teams from Darley Sports such as Boca Juniors, Flamengo, and Sau Paulo.
Additional teams in the league include Duffield Dynamo Warriors, Mickleover RBL Tigers, and A.F.C Chellaston Eagles. Each team represents their local community while participating in the broader league competition.
The league has been growing steadily for over 30 years, allowing for expansion in both the number of teams and participants. This growth reflects the league's commitment to providing football opportunities for youth players.
Teams in the Derby Junior Football League primarily focus on developing young talent while promoting community involvement. Often referred to as the "Community League," it was originally established by Derby City Council to serve children in inner-city areas.
The diverse range of teams ensures that players of varying skill levels can find appropriate competitive environments. This inclusive approach has helped the league maintain its position as a vital sporting resource in the Derby region.
Players
The Derby Junior Football League (DJFL) boasts an impressive roster of over 4,000 young footballers participating across more than 360 teams. These players form the backbone of this thriving community sports organization that has been growing steadily for over three decades.
Players in the DJFL benefit from a structured environment designed to develop both their football skills and character. The league focuses on fostering talent while emphasizing important values such as sportsmanship and respect for officials, teammates, and opponents.
The league is currently developing dedicated resources specifically for players. According to their website, a new content section covering everything from equipment requirements to conduct expectations is coming soon.
Players typically join through one of the 50+ clubs affiliated with the Derby Junior Football League. The competitive structure allows youngsters to test their abilities against peers of similar age and skill level.
Age groupings organize the competition, with dedicated divisions like the U10 Group 1 providing appropriate challenges for different developmental stages. This careful structuring ensures players can progress naturally through age-appropriate competition.
The league maintains active communication channels, including social media groups where players and families can stay updated on fixtures, results, and league announcements. This community approach helps create a supportive environment for young footballers.
