Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Devon Junior & Minor League stands as a cornerstone of youth football in Devon, England, providing competitive opportunities for children aged 5-16. Founded in 1972, the league has fostered the development of countless young players while promoting the values of respect and fair play throughout its organization. The league serves both boys and girls across various age groups, creating a structured environment where young footballers can develop their skills and passion for the game.
Teams from across Devon participate in this well-established competition, with dedicated fixtures and results tracked throughout the season. The league maintains comprehensive documentation including handbooks, newsletters, and a detailed history that reflects its long-standing commitment to youth development. For parents and coaches, the league offers clear guidelines on safeguarding practices and promotes the FA's RESPECT campaign.
Social media platforms like the DJM League Notice Board on Facebook provide additional resources, helping teams recruit new players and keeping the community informed about league activities. With regular updates on league standings and upcoming fixtures, the Devon Junior & Minor League continues to play a vital role in the grassroots football ecosystem of Southwest England.
History
The Devon Junior and Minor Football League has a rich and storied past dating back to the early 20th century. A pivotal moment in its formation occurred on Friday, September 9th, 1904, when a meeting was held at Kent Unity Hall in Stonehouse, Devon.
The league was officially established in 1923, marking the beginning of organized youth football competition in the region. Since then, it has grown significantly to become one of the most prominent youth football organizations in Devon.
Today, the league boasts an impressive membership of over 200 affiliated clubs. This remarkable growth demonstrates the enduring popularity of youth football in the region and the league's successful management over the decades.
The Devon Junior and Minor Football League caters to a wide age range of young players. Teams compete in various age groups from under-7s through to under-18s, providing developmental opportunities for children and teenagers throughout their formative years.
The league has maintained its commitment to youth development and fair play throughout its history. Its longevity speaks to the important role it has played in the sporting lives of countless young people across Devon.
Through various initiatives including their RESPECT and SAFEGUARDING programs, the league continues to prioritize player welfare and positive sporting values alongside competitive football.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Devon Junior & Minor League offers football opportunities for children across various age groups spanning from U7 to U18. This comprehensive structure ensures that young players can develop their skills in age-appropriate settings.
For the youngest participants, the league begins with U7, U8, and U9 divisions, introducing children to the fundamentals of the game. These age groups typically play with modified rules and smaller pitches to accommodate their developmental stage.
The middle tiers include U10, U11, U12, and U13 divisions, where players continue to build their technical abilities and tactical understanding. The U13 girls' section features supplementary divisions to provide additional playing opportunities.
For older youth, the league organizes competitions for U14, U15, and U16 players. These divisions operate with rules closer to the adult game as players mature physically and technically.
The U18 level represents the most senior youth division in the league, with named sections including Cambridge, Horsham, and Albion. This provides a pathway for teenagers transitioning toward adult football.
Each age group may contain multiple divisions named after different themes, such as Ardent and Howe for U16 and Rodney for other age categories. This organization allows for appropriate competitive balance based on team strength and geographical considerations.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Devon Junior & Minor League is managed by a dedicated committee of volunteers who oversee various aspects of youth football in Devon. Based on current information, the committee includes several key positions that ensure the smooth operation of the league.
Sarah Brooks has served as both the Respect Officer and Minutes Secretary since 2021. She can be contacted by phone at 07827336086 or via email at taffytilder@yahoo.co.uk. It's worth noting that the Respect Officer should only be contacted regarding specific matters related to that role.
The league has recently appointed Mark Smith as their Website and Social Media Officer. He works closely with Bernard Leach, the League President, on digital communications efforts.
The committee structure helps facilitate organization of matches, tournaments, and administrative requirements for participating teams throughout Devon. They ensure that youth football is properly managed according to established regulations.
For teams looking to advertise for new players or individuals seeking teams to join, the DJM League Notice Board on Facebook provides a platform where up-to-date advertisements from teams within the league are posted regularly.
Teams with questions or concerns should direct their inquiries to the appropriate committee member based on the nature of their request.
Teams
The Devon Junior & Minor League features a diverse range of youth football teams across various age groups. According to available information, the league consists of 282 teams competing in different divisions.
Among the U10 age group, teams include Activate Youth, AFC Plympton Youth, Bere Alston United Youth, Goals Soccer School, Hunter District Football Club, and Kelliwik Youth FC. These teams provide opportunities for younger players to develop their skills.
For older age groups, the U13 Girls division features teams such as Marine Academy Plymouth Junior, Elm United Youth, Plymouth Aspire Youth, and Plymouth Marjon Youth. These teams help promote girls' participation in football across Devon.
The U18 division includes Torpoint Athletic Youth FC, Truro City, Saltash United Juniors Rangers, and Chaddlewood Miners Youth Blues. This age group represents the transition point between junior and adult football.
Key Teams by Age Group:
- U10: Activate Youth, AFC Plympton, Bere Alston United, Hunter District FC
- U13 Girls: Marine Academy Plymouth, Elm United, Plymouth Aspire, Plymouth Marjon
- U18: Torpoint Athletic, Truro City, Saltash United, Chaddlewood Miners
The league structure allows teams to compete against similarly skilled opponents, fostering development and enjoyment of the game for young players throughout Devon.
Players
The Devon Junior & Minor league boasts a substantial player base with over 1,000 registered participants as of the current season. This significant number highlights the league's popularity and established presence in the region.
The league provides competitive opportunities for youth players across various age groups, with under-16 divisions being particularly active in the competition structure. These divisions feature teams like Plymouth Parkway Youth, Torpoint Athletic Youth FC, YMCA All Saints, and Saltash United Juniors Pumas.
Player development remains a central focus of the Devon Junior & Minor league, which has been nurturing young talent since its foundation in 1972. The organization has implemented a new player registration system to streamline administrative processes.
Teams participating in the league typically field squads that allow for rotation and tactical flexibility throughout the season. Most clubs maintain core groups of 15-20 players per team to ensure consistent participation despite injuries or absences.
The structure of the league facilitates healthy competition while prioritizing skill development and sporting values. Young players benefit from regular matches that help them improve technical abilities and game understanding.
