Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The East Midlands Veterans League offers competitive football opportunities for older players across the region, creating a vibrant community for those who still have passion for the beautiful game. The league currently features multiple conferences including Premier League East, Conference North, and includes teams such as Ashby United Community FC Vets, Cromford Veterans, Duffield Old Boys Veterans, and Kimberley Miners Welfare among others.
As of the 2022-23 season, Beeston Old Boys Association FC Veterans claimed the Conference East title, demonstrating the competitive nature of the veterans' football scene in the East Midlands. The league continues to thrive in the 2024-25 season with regular fixtures and results being tracked throughout the competition schedule that runs into late 2025.
History
The East Midlands Veterans League was established to provide competitive football opportunities for older players in the region. It has evolved over time to become an important part of the local sporting community.
The league features multiple divisions with teams like Calverton Miners Welfare F.C. Veterans, Hucknall Sports F.C. Veterans, and Netherfield Albion F.C. Veterans competing regularly. These clubs have helped shape the league's development through their consistent participation.
In the Championship Central division, clubs such as Ashby United Community FC Vets, Duffield Old Boys Veterans, and Kimberley Miners Welfare FC Vets have been notable competitors. Each has accumulated 18 points during recent seasons, highlighting the competitive balance within the league.
The league structure has been designed to accommodate veterans of various age groups and ability levels. This inclusive approach has been central to its mission since inception.
Regional fixtures are organized systematically throughout the season, typically running through late autumn and winter months. The 2024-2025 season includes fixtures scheduled through at least November 2024.
Similar to the Midlands Veterans Track and Field League, the East Midlands Veterans League maintains detailed records of competitions and achievements. These archives preserve the sporting heritage of veteran athletes in the region.
Age Groups and Divisions
The East Midlands Veterans League caters specifically to veteran football players across multiple age categories. The primary age groups include Veterans M35, M40, M50, M60, M70 and W35, W40, W50, W60, W70, with M representing men's categories and W representing women's categories.
The league structure is organized into several divisions that provide competitive opportunities for teams of different skill levels. These divisions include Premier League East, Premier League West, Championship East, Championship Central, and Championship West.
Additionally, the league features Conference North and Conference South divisions, creating a comprehensive competitive framework across the East Midlands region.
For track and field competitions specifically, the league offers events across all three divisions, with four competition meetings typically held throughout the season.
The multi-tiered divisional structure ensures teams compete against others of similar ability, maintaining competitive balance and providing appropriate challenges for all participants.
Each division follows the same age group categories, allowing veterans to compete against peers in their specific age bracket regardless of which division their team participates in.
The league's organization reflects a commitment to providing structured competitive opportunities for older athletes who wish to continue participating in organized sports.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The East Midlands Veterans League maintains an organized structure with dedicated personnel who oversee league operations. According to recent information from November 2024, the league provides comprehensive contact resources for all participating teams.
A live spreadsheet is available containing contact information for all teams in the East Midlands Veterans League. This document also includes fixture schedules and division lists, making it a valuable resource for players, managers, and officials.
The league is divided into multiple divisions including the Premier League East and Championship Central. Each division has its own administrators who handle day-to-day operations and ensure smooth running of competitions.
Team managers and captains can access contact details for league officials through the official channels. This facilitates communication regarding match arrangements, postponements, and other administrative matters.
For those seeking to get in touch with specific teams or league representatives, the contacts list is regularly updated. The most recent update to the contacts information occurred on November 19, 2024.
The league administration coordinates between the 82 teams participating across various divisions. Contact information is essential for maintaining the competitive structure and ensuring all participants remain informed about league developments.
Teams
The East Midlands Veterans League comprises numerous teams across different divisions. According to available information, South Notts F.C. Veterans First, Keyworth United F.C. Veterans First, and Cotgrave F.C. (Sunday) Vets are among the top teams in one division.
In another division, Walesby F.C. Veterans First, Quarrydale United FC Veterans United, and Alfreton Town FC Vets are competing alongside Gainsborough Trinity Community FC.
Several other notable teams in the league include:
- Ashby United Community FC Vets
- Cromford Veterans (Over 40)
- Duffield Old Boys Veterans
- Etwall FC Vets
- Kilburn FC Vets
- Kimberley Miners Welfare FC Vets
The league appears to be well-established, featuring a total of 82 teams participating across multiple divisions. This substantial number of teams demonstrates the popularity of veterans football in the East Midlands region.
Many teams maintain active communication through social media, where they discuss league matters and arrange friendly matches outside of official competition.
The league provides competitive opportunities for older players to continue their football careers, typically catering to those over 35 or 40 years of age, depending on the specific division requirements.
Players
The East Midlands Veterans League is designed specifically for football players aged 35 and over. This age requirement ensures that older players can continue enjoying competitive football in an appropriate environment.
Teams in the league feature a diverse mix of players with varying football backgrounds. Some players may have competed at higher levels in their younger days, while others might have taken up the sport later in life.
The league encompasses several teams across different divisions, including Bilborough TRD FC Old Boys Vets, Cotgrave FC Veterans, FC Cavaliers Veterans, and Keyworth United F.C. Veterans.
Players from clubs like Nags Head Veterans FC, Walesby F.C. Veterans First, and Quarrydale United FC Veterans United participate regularly in competitive matches throughout the season.
The veterans' format allows players to maintain their fitness and competitive spirit while acknowledging the physical limitations that come with age. Many participants value the social aspects of the league just as much as the sporting elements.
Squad sizes typically allow for rotation and substitutions, recognizing that recovery time becomes more important for veteran players. This approach helps manage injuries and ensures longevity in the sport.
The league serves as an excellent example of how football can be adapted to remain accessible and enjoyable for players throughout their lives, not just during their physical prime.
