Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Faversham & District Youth Football League (FDYFL) has been fostering youth football development since its founding in 1999. As an England Football Accredited League affiliated with the Kent FA, the FDYFL provides structured mini-soccer opportunities for children from Under 7 to Under 12 age groups. The league currently features various divisions, including the U7 La Liga which has upcoming fixtures following recent matches on March 1, 2025.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated committee of volunteers gives their time to coordinate and maintain the league's operations. These individuals work tirelessly to ensure young players across Faversham and surrounding districts have opportunities to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Teams like Dawes Hernhill Herons, East Kent FC, Eastry Ravens, and Ramsgate FC Red participate in the league's competitive structure.
History
The Faversham & District Youth Football League (FDYFL) was established in 1999, making it a relatively young organization in the landscape of English youth football. The league was formed to provide structured competitive opportunities for young players in the Faversham area and surrounding districts.
As an England Football Accredited League, the FDYFL maintains high standards of organization and development. This accreditation demonstrates the league's commitment to providing quality football experiences for youth players across various age groups.
The league maintains official affiliation with the Kent FA, which has been governing football in the county since 1881. This connection ensures the league operates within the established framework of English football governance.
While the league itself began in 1999, youth football in Faversham has deeper roots. In 1997, Ted Dowdall and John Bayford established Luddenham School Football Club with just a handful of players, which became part of the foundation for organized youth football in the area.
Over the years, the FDYFL has grown significantly, now serving numerous teams and players throughout the district. The league has become an important developmental pathway for young footballers in Kent.
With over one million recorded visits to its online platforms, the FDYFL has established itself as a vital community resource for youth football in the region.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Faversham & District Youth Football League (FDYFL) offers competitive football across multiple age groups, ranging from Under-7s to Under-15s. This comprehensive structure allows children of various ages to participate in organized football appropriate for their developmental stage.
For the youngest players, the U7 division is particularly well-organized with different groups including La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, Eredivisie, Primeira, and Bundesliga. These creative naming conventions make participation more engaging for young players.
The U8 category typically operates with multiple groups as well, allowing for appropriate skill matching and competitive balance. This age group focuses on developing fundamental skills while introducing competitive play.
As players progress, they can continue through the U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, and U15 age groups. Each level introduces more advanced concepts while maintaining age-appropriate expectations and rules.
The league regularly updates its divisional structure to accommodate changing participation levels. For example, in January 2022 and January 2023, the U7 category was organized into multiple groups (Groups 1-4), allowing for balanced competition.
Founded in 1999, the FDYFL has grown significantly over the years. The league is England Football Accredited and affiliated with the Kent FA, ensuring high standards of organization and player development are maintained across all age groups and divisions.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Faversham & District Youth Football League (FDYFL) maintains a dedicated committee and administrative team to oversee league operations. The league regularly updates its Club Contact Handbook, with the latest version available on the official league website as of October 16, 2024.
For club representatives needing to submit match information, Paul Gates serves as a key contact. Documents can be sent to him at 20 Saxon Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8QQ, or he can be reached by telephone at 01795 539568.
The league offers several communication channels for participants and officials. These include dedicated contacts for:
- Fixture Management
- Club Contact Updates
- Incident Reporting
- Registration Assistance
- Player Transfers
- Referee Coordination
The FDYFL also maintains a WhatsApp group for timely communication with clubs and officials. This complements their formal committee structure, which handles governance and administrative matters for the youth football community.
For the most accurate and current contact information, club representatives should refer to the latest version of the Contact Handbook on the league website, as details may change throughout the season.
Teams
The Faversham & District Youth Football League (FDYFL) hosts several youth football teams across various age groups. Founded in 1999, the league has grown to include numerous clubs from the Faversham area and surrounding districts.
Some prominent teams in the league include Faversham Town Youth, Chartham Sports Club, Dawes Hernhill Herons, Deal Town Rangers, and Sturry Kings. These teams compete in different age categories, starting from U7.
Faversham Town Youth is one of the notable clubs in the league, with teams participating across multiple age groups. The youth section serves as a development pathway for young footballers in the area.
Herne Bay Harriers and Whitstable Town Youth are also recognized as successful teams within the FDYFL. These clubs have built strong reputations for youth development over the years.
The league operates with strict registration rules. Players must be properly registered according to league regulations and cannot play for more than one team in the same competition.
Teams participate in both regular league fixtures and cup competitions organized by the FDYFL. The competitive structure helps young players develop their skills while enjoying the game.
The league is affiliated with the Kent FA, ensuring proper governance and adherence to county football standards. As an England Football Accredited League, teams benefit from recognized quality standards in youth football development.
Players
The Faversham & District Youth Football League has specific regulations regarding player registrations and participation. Players are not permitted to register for more than one team in the same age group, ensuring fair competition across the league.
Registration deadlines are strictly enforced with a weekly cut-off at 9pm on Thursday. This allows league administrators sufficient time to process registrations before weekend matches.
For cup competitions, additional rules apply. Only properly registered players in accordance with League rules are eligible to participate. Players cannot represent multiple teams in the same cup competition, maintaining competitive integrity.
The league prioritizes youth development while protecting young players' privacy. Player names are no longer displayed publicly for youth leagues, reflecting modern safeguarding practices.
Teams must ensure all players meet eligibility requirements before fielding them in matches. This includes age-appropriate registration and adherence to all league regulations regarding player participation.
Each team maintains seasonal player statistics, though these are managed with appropriate privacy controls. The league balances competitive record-keeping with youth protection measures.
