Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
Durham County FA Leagues serve as the backbone of local football in Durham, offering a structured competitive environment for clubs across the region. The leagues cater to various skill levels and age groups, creating opportunities for players throughout the county to participate in organized football competitions.
Durham County FA administers several leagues for the 2024-2025 season, including the Wearside League, Crook and District League, Darlington Church and Friendly League, Durham Alliance League, and Tyne and Wear Business Houses League. These competitions form an integral part of the football pyramid in the northeast of England, providing pathways for players and clubs to progress.
Teams interested in joining these leagues still have the opportunity to apply for the 2024-2025 season. The Durham County FA also offers comprehensive support to clubs and leagues, assisting with administration and development to ensure the continued growth of football across the county.
History
Durham County Football Association was founded on March 25, 1883, establishing a foundation for organized football in the region. This creation followed the founding of the joint Durham and Northumberland Football Association in 1879, which had previously managed football activities across both counties.
The organization runs numerous cup competitions for teams throughout the county. These include tournaments for under-18 teams, under-21 squads, and ladies' teams, demonstrating the FA's commitment to developing football across different age groups and genders.
A significant development came in July 1966 with the formation of the Durham and District Sunday Morning League. This was notable because initially, the Durham Football Association would not sanction Sunday football.
Over the decades, Durham FA has evolved to provide appropriate structures and systems for football in the county. Their mission centers on establishing safe and structured football opportunities that benefit everyone involved in the sport.
The leagues administered by Durham County FA have become an integral part of grassroots football in the region. They provide competitive structures that allow teams from various levels to participate in organized football, contributing to the sport's development throughout Durham County.
Age Groups and Divisions
Durham County FA Leagues serve players across a wide spectrum of ages, from the youngest children to adults. The youth categories include U7, U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U16, and U18, providing organized football opportunities throughout childhood and adolescence.
For the youngest players, the Mini Soccer format is offered with specific divisions like U7's Mini Soccer - Gold Q1 and Gold Q2. This modified version of the game uses smaller pitches and fewer players to help develop fundamental skills.
As children progress through age groups, the competition structure becomes more comprehensive. The U18 category features multiple divisions including Saturday Morning Premier Division, reflecting the increasingly competitive nature of the game for older youth players.
Beyond youth football, Durham County FA also organizes Open (adult) leagues and Veterans competitions for older players. These divisions ensure footballers of all ages have appropriate competitive environments.
For players with disabilities, Durham County offers two specialized adult leagues: the North East Ability Counts League and the DCFA Community & Inclusion League. These competitions demonstrate the FA's commitment to inclusive football opportunities.
Boys from ages 5 to 21 can find development opportunities in safe, friendly environments throughout Durham County. This progressive structure allows players to advance through age-appropriate divisions as they grow and develop their footballing abilities.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Durham County FA Leagues are managed by a dedicated team of staff members who oversee various aspects of football operations in the region. Kerry Topping serves as the Football Services Manager and can be reached at 0191 3872929 (Option 2, Option 4) or via email at Kerry.Topping@DurhamFA.com.
Mark Smith holds the position of County FA Leagues Officer and can be contacted through the same main office number: 0191 3872929 (Option 2).
The organization is led by CEO John Topping, with operations based at Codeslaw, Riverside South, Chester le Street, Co. Durham, DH3 3SJ. The main office contact number for general inquiries is 0191 387 2929.
For the Durham County Schools FA, leadership includes:
- Chair: P Dodd
- Vice-Chair: A Johnston (Mobile: 07719 446 550, Email: alanjohnston100@sky.com)
- Treasurer: A Woodhead (Email: durhamcsfa@gmail.com)
The Durham Sunday League management committee features Stephen Johnson as League President (Telephone: 01915267241) and Adrian Traylen serving as League Vice-President.
Those seeking to contact Durham FA staff directly are encouraged to use the emails or contact numbers listed on the Board & Staff page of the official Durham FA website.
Teams
Durham County FA Leagues feature a diverse range of teams across various age groups and divisions. The leagues encompass both youth and adult competitions for men, women, and youth players throughout Durham County.
Youth development is a key focus, with teams like Seaham Red Star Youth U7 Whites, CLS United U7 Jets, Coxhoe United U7 Blues, and Hebburn Town FC U7 participating in the younger age brackets.
In the women's divisions, several established clubs compete regularly. These include Birtley Town Ladies, Boldon Ladies, Chester le Street Amazons Women, Chester le Street United Women Reserves, Consett Ladies, and Darlington FC Women.
The men's leagues feature historic clubs with rich traditions. Teams such as Billingham Synthonia, Billingham Town, Birtley Town, and Bishop Auckland represent communities across the county.
Other notable clubs include Brandon United, Chester-le-Street Town, and Cleator Moor Celtic. Cockfield, now defunct, was previously part of the league structure.
The 2024-2025 season continues to see strong participation across all divisions. Teams compete in structured competitions that promote fair play and sporting development throughout Durham County.
Many clubs field multiple teams across different age groups, creating pathways from youth to adult football. This comprehensive approach helps maintain Durham's strong football tradition at grassroots level.
Players
Durham County FA Leagues offer numerous opportunities for players of all ages and abilities across the region. From traditional 11-a-side formats to more flexible football options, there's something for everyone looking to participate in the beautiful game.
The leagues cater to youth development, which is a key focus area. This structured approach allows young players to develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment while progressing through clear pathways.
One notable benefit of the Durham County FA Leagues is the midweek youth league option. This initiative enables clubs to continue developing youth players, creating a better male pathway into senior teams.
Players have access to various competitive formats throughout the county. These structured opportunities ensure that participants can find suitable playing options regardless of their experience level or time commitments.
Durham FA aims to establish safe and structured football opportunities that benefit everyone involved. Their comprehensive system provides appropriate structures for player development at all stages.
For those interested in joining a team or finding playing opportunities, the Durham FA website provides information on local clubs and leagues. Registration details and season schedules are typically updated before each new season begins.
Player welfare remains a priority across all Durham County FA Leagues. This commitment ensures that participants can enjoy the game in a positive and inclusive environment.
