Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Epsom & Ewell Youth Football League has been fostering grassroots football talent since its establishment in 1972. Sanctioned by Surrey County FA, this volunteer-run organization provides both mini-soccer and competitive football opportunities for young players throughout the region. The league operates as a not-for-profit entity dedicated to creating safe, fun, and developmental environments for youth footballers of various age groups from U7 through U15 and beyond.
Matches take place across weekends, with fixtures scheduled for both Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate the numerous teams participating across different divisions. Recent activity in the league includes matches played as recently as March 1, 2025, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to providing regular competitive opportunities for young players in the Epsom and Ewell area.
The league's structure includes various age-specific competitions, with divisions like the U15 Premier Division and U13 Premier Division offering appropriate levels of challenge for developing players. This thoughtful organization ensures that youth footballers can progress through age-appropriate competitive environments that balance the joy of the game with skills development.
History
The Epsom & Ewell Youth Football League has deep roots in the local sporting community. Founded in 1972, the league has been a cornerstone of grassroots football in the Surrey area for over five decades.
The league emerged during a period of growing interest in organized youth sports across Britain. It received official sanctioning from the Surrey County Football Association, which helped establish its legitimacy and governance structure.
While Epsom & Ewell FC itself originated in 1918 as Epsom Juniors Cricket Club, the youth football league developed as a separate entity focused specifically on providing competitive opportunities for young players. The senior club initially formed its football team in autumn of that year after the cricket season ended.
The youth league was created to support grassroots football development and provide structured competition for young players in the Epsom and Ewell areas. It offers fixtures on both Saturdays and Sundays, maximizing participation opportunities.
Over the decades, the league has expanded to include multiple age groups and divisions. The Premier Division represents the highest competitive level within each age bracket, providing appropriate challenges for teams of different abilities.
The league has witnessed significant growth in participation numbers since its inception, reflecting its important role in the community. Today, it continues to uphold its founding principles of supporting youth development through organized football.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Epsom & Ewell Youth Football League organizes competitions across multiple age groups, providing structured football opportunities for young players throughout the region. The league caters to youth teams ranging from Under-7 (U7) to Under-18 (U18) categories.
For the youngest participants, the U7 age group features an extensive structure with multiple divisions including Groups 1B through 6B. This organization allows for appropriate competitive balance among teams just beginning their football journey.
As players progress, they move through U8, U9, U10, and U11 divisions, each designed to develop age-appropriate skills and match experience. The league maintains separate groups within each age category to ensure fair competition.
The intermediate age ranges include U12, U13, and U14 divisions, where technical skills and tactical understanding become increasingly important. These divisions serve as crucial developmental stages for young footballers.
The older youth sections comprise U15, U16, and U18 categories, offering more advanced competition as players approach adult football. Specific teams like Epsom & Ewell Colts U8 Blues, Farleigh Rovers Youth U8 Reds, and Molesey Juniors U8 Lions represent the diverse club participation at the U8 level.
Home teams are responsible for referee appointments, ensuring matches proceed according to league standards. This well-structured age group system provides clear pathways for youth development within the Epsom & Ewell football community.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Epsom & Ewell Youth Football League (EEYFL) is managed by a dedicated committee that oversees operations across the league. All clubs participating in the EEYFL must register their key personnel through official channels.
Each club is required to provide contact details for Club Secretaries, Child Welfare Officers (CWOs), and team contacts including managers, administrators, and fixture secretaries. This information is collected through a mandatory registration form.
The league maintains communication channels for various inquiries related to safeguarding, respect policies, conduct issues, and general league administration. These contacts serve as important resources for clubs, parents, and players.
For specific team information, clubs like AFC Ewell and Epsom & Ewell Colts FC have their own committee structures. For example, AFC Ewell's committee includes Angela Crowe (Chairwoman) who can be contacted via email.
Epsom & Ewell Colts FC lists Pauline Russell as Acting Chair & Safeguarding Officer (contact: info@epsomandewellcolts.co.uk) and Kyoko Taylor handling PR, Media, and Communication.
Youth team contacts are organized by age group, with designated individuals responsible for specific teams. This ensures clear communication lines between the league administration and individual teams.
The league prioritizes safeguarding and respect, with dedicated contacts available to address concerns in these critical areas.
Teams
The Epsom & Ewell Youth Football League hosts numerous teams across various age groups. The league began with just six founder clubs: 2nd Hook Scouts, Stoneleigh Boys, Langley Vale, Court Comets, 7th Epsom (Epsom Eagles), and Epsom.
Today, the league has expanded significantly to include teams from across the region. Among the U7 teams are A.F.C. Kingston Youth U7 Blues, Carshalton Athletic Youth U7 Whites, Farleigh Rovers Youth U7, JDFS U7s, and Josh Evans Soccer School U7's.
In the U9 category, participating teams include ACE Football Club U9 Colts, Ashtead Colts U9 Wanderers, Bookham Colts Lions U9, Dorking Wanderers Youth U9 Reds, Leatherhead Youth U9, and Nork Park.
The U12 division features teams such as Caterham Pumas U12 Youth, Cre8 Football Club U12, DNA Elite U12 Boys, Moor Mead U12 Real, Nork Park Rangers U12 Colts, Raising Stars (Youth) U12, and Reigate Youth.
Epsom & Ewell Colts FC stands as one of the largest clubs participating in the league, boasting over 1,100 registered players across more than 80 teams including boys, girls, and senior divisions.
Each team competes throughout the season in their respective age groups, promoting youth football development and community engagement across the Epsom and Ewell area.
Players
The Epsom & Ewell Youth Football League boasts an impressive player base with over 9,000 young footballers participating in the 2022/23 season. These players are distributed across 732 teams, showing the league's significant presence in grassroots football.
Players range from very young age groups to teenagers, with divisions spanning from Under-7s up through Under-16s and beyond. LionHeart Football U7 represents one of many clubs fielding youth teams in the youngest age brackets.
The league maintains detailed player statistics throughout each season. Individual player records track performance metrics and participation across matches.
Many players join the league at young ages and progress through the various age groups as they develop their skills. This progression system allows for consistent football development within a familiar structure.
The league emphasizes inclusivity and development, providing competitive opportunities for players of various skill levels. Premier Divisions exist for higher-skilled teams, while other divisions accommodate developing players.
Since its founding in 1972, the league has seen thousands of young players come through its system. Many continue into adult football, while others simply enjoy the health and social benefits of team sports during their formative years.
Player safety and enjoyment remain central priorities, with the league operating under Surrey County FA sanction to ensure proper standards are maintained.
